£360m housing project in north east Coventry cut back

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A multi-million pound regeneration project to breathe new life into the north east of the city is set to be significantly downsized if revised plans are given the nod by councillors.



The council is the final partner set to approve changes to the planned £360million regeneration to Wood End, Henley Green, Deedmore and Manor Farm, known as Spirit Quarters.

Initial figures estimated 3,300 new homes in the area but that figure now looks to be significantly reduced with the revised plans opting to improve a large amount of existing accommodation rather than replacing it.

If the plans are approved, the total value of the scheme would be an estimated £80m over the next ten years.

About 120 homes are still under construction with 274 homes already completed, as well as a new leisure centre and three new primary schools.

The scheme is part of a six-way partnership between Whitefriars Housing, Coventry City Council, Homes and Communities Agency and three developers formed in 2007.

Partners are seeking cabinet approval from Coventry City Council to plans which will see more than 900 new homes built and more than 700 homes improved.

The proposals would mean around 1,000 existing Whitefriars homes across the areas of Wood End, Henley Green and Manor Farm would be excluded from the master plan and be improved rather than demolished.

A total of 300 homes would be demolished, and 900 provided in their place over the next ten years.

Coun Ed Ruane, Cabinet Member for Heritage and Housing, said: “No-one could have known how long the economic downturn was going to last and if the partners decided to carry on with the original plan it could have taken 30 to 40 years to get the homes all built.

“I think deciding to invest in the existing housing now is exactly the right move because it means that residents get real investment in their homes and they get it now. Of course everyone will also benefit from the new homes that have already been built.”

Construction work on 238 new homes and new retail provision in Wood End is proposed to commence in late 2014.

Resident Graham Randle said: “While it is disappointing that the original plans cannot be delivered, I understand why the changes need to happen and I am pleased that those homes being removed from the programme will still benefit from investment.”

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Massive north-east Coventry regeneration on course for 370 more homes



A LONG-AWAITED next phase of a multi-million pound regeneration scheme in a disadvantaged part of Coventry – including another 370 homes – has been given the go-ahead.

The Wood End, Deedmore, Henley Green and Manor Farm areas of the north-east of the city have already seen 500 new homes built.

Now planning chiefs have given the go-ahead for 373 more over the next five years.

The ‘Spirit Quarters’ redevelopment has also already seen 1,000 existing homes improved to make them warmer and more energy efficient.

The homes will be built by development partner Keepmoat Homes, and will be available for rent and sale with a mixture of two-bedroom flats and one, two and three-bedroom houses.

Leading Midlands housing provider Whitefriars Housing will own and manage 68 of the new homes, which will be available for affordable rent.

The scheme is being supported by a £2 million grant from the Homes and Communities Agency’s affordable housing programme.

Kevin Roach, project director for Spirit Quarters and Director of Regeneration at WM Housing Group, said: “We are delighted that the next phase of this major redevelopment has been given the green light.

“These new homes and the start of the £10m improvements to homes and the environment on the Manor Farm estate will create a lasting legacy for the future, providing much-needed quality affordable homes for generations to come.”

Councillor Linda Bigham, Coventry City Council cabinet member for community development, said: “I’m really pleased that the next stage in the redevelopment of this part of Coventry has got the go-ahead. The area is being transformed and I’m delighted that local people have been at the heart of the changes.”

Martin Smith, resident chair of Moat House Community Trust, said: “This is yet more good news for our vibrant community and continues our vision of making the area an even better place to live, with excellent facilities and much-needed new and improved homes”

The project also aims to improve public open space, including with new play provision.

Partners involved in the project are Whitefriars Housing, Coventry City Council, Moat House Community Trust, Keepmoat Homes, Bovis Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency.