The
Hill Group, and its commercial specialist partner, Shearer Property Group
(SGP), have commenced archaeological works ahead of the first phase of development of City Centre South, a landmark £450m
regeneration scheme that will transform Coventry city centre.
These essential preliminary works will ensure the heritage of
the site is understood, recorded, and preserved prior to the start of
construction.
A team of archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology has begun a
survey of the site with trenches taking place in various locations, starting in
the Barracks car park before moving to Bull Yard and Shelton Square.
The works are estimated to take seven
to eight weeks to complete, and disruption to businesses and visitors will be
kept to a minimum. The task will include the excavation of 23 trial trenches of
varying sizes and depths, seeking to locate the line of the historic
city wall as well as identify any other
archaeological remains. Items of significance found during the works will be
logged, protected, and covered for further investigation until the site has
been cleared.
Hill
and SGP are working closely with Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police
to ensure that emergency protocols are in place should the trenching unearth
any unexploded ordnance that remains as a result of the city’s bombing during
the Second World War.
Andy Fancy, Managing Director at The Hill Group comments: “We are committed to carrying out the archaeological
investigation works at City Centre South both safely and sensitively to protect
any historical findings before the start of construction. These works are a
routine part of the development process and essential due to the development’s
location at the heart of Coventry’s historic centre.”
Visiting the site as the dig began, Councillor Jim
O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration, and climate change at Coventry
City Council said: “I’m pleased that this work is underway –
along with the work to relocate Shopmobility to a new location at Salt Lane car
park it’s the first visible work on site."
“This work to map and record information is important and Hill and
SPG are very experienced so I’m sure it will be done efficiently and carefully
with the data used to help support future stages.”
Almost a thousand homes have been given the green light in this
first phase of City Centre South, including 200 affordable homes, along with
space for shops, businesses, and public open space in a pedestrian-friendly
quarter. The new development, designed by acclaimed architecture firm Allies
and Morrison, introduces a contemporary style that takes its inspiration from
Coventry’s heritage. Conveniently located within a five-minute walk of Coventry
train station, the development forms a major element of the wider masterplan
for the regeneration of the city.
Construction at City Centre South is scheduled to start in
the autumn, with the first homes expected to be completed in early 2027.
