Work set to start on Hertford Street revamp

Improvements to Hertford Street in the city centre begin on Monday.



We reported back in October how the dreary arcade was one of the areas set to be smartened up ahead of the Olympics.

And starting next week advertising units will be removed, the island planter will be replanted, new bins and seating will be put in, lighting will be improved and part of the roof removed to let in some natural light.

The work is set to be completed by the start of June.

Coun Linda Bigham said: "Hertford Street is certainly in need of some tender loving care.

"Of course, we know it's not the long term answer which is our bigger £300million plan for the city centre south however, in the meantime it's vital we support traders and improve the environment for everyone."

Of course it is the Olympics in July and that makes a difference

Of course it is the Olympics in July and that makes a difference

Yes, I'm sure 2012 will be remembered for decades as the year of the Coventry Olympics

A lot depends on whether or not people coming to Olympic events actually go into the city centre, doesn't it? Then, once there, they also have to like it and want to come back - but will they? We only hear negative comment from friends who still live in the city, which is a little worrying, especially as the Ricoh Arena is so far out of the centre.

It's always seemed a strange thing to me to have the football ground so far out. Maybe it's cheaper for policing. Maybe it's easier to get to/from. But does it really make sense?

Coventry shoppers give thumbs up to new look Hertford Street



A MAKEOVER of the Hertford Street area of the city centre has been given the thumbs up by Coventry people.

The street has recently been spruced up with a new roof and the installation of flowerbeds.

Coventry City Council has carried out the works as part of the project to clean up the city ready for the Olympic Games.

The City of Coventry Stadium will host 12 football games over eight days during the Games and different areas of the city centre have been redeveloped to help improve the look of the city.

The Telegraph spoke to shoppers yesterday, who said they were impressed by the new look.

John Union, who is retired and lives in the city centre, said: “I love Coventry. I’m probably the only person who does. I don’t like all the pigeons but I think the area looks a lot better now.

"I would like to see more flowers like in Leamington. It just makes it look prettier.”

He added: “I like the all shops here. The only thing I don’t understand is why the council have removed the benches.

“Old people like to sit down while they are shopping but now they have got rid of the benches so they can’t do that anymore.”

Jim Gallagher, 70, of Ernesford Grange, agreed.

He said: “I think it’s definitely an improvement. Before it was a bit of a concrete jungle. The only negative thing is there are no benches. This can be a problem for pensioners when they need to have a rest.

“If the council brought the benches back it would definitely help.”

Trisha Farnan, 25, who works in the city centre, said: “I came to Coventry a few years ago to work and the whole area looks much better.

“It’s a lot brighter. People used to walk through here at night and would feel unsafe because it was so dark. Now I think they will feel a lot safer.”

She added: “Coventry in general is looking a lot nicer than when I first moved here. At the moment we haven’t had a lot of nice weather but when the sun shines, it’s great to be able to sit down and enjoy it.”