Pictured above: An artist's impression of how the Bishop
Gate development by Barberry Developments could look at
night
Barberry Developments has submitted a planning application to
transform part of Coventry city centre with an exciting new
multi-million-pound superstore development.
The Midlands-based company announced the move today (Thursday,
March 10th) during the MIPIM commercial property event in Cannes,
France, where it has joined the Coventry City Council-led
delegation putting the city on the international stage.
Barberry purchased the 200,000 sq ft former Royal Mail Sorting
Centre and adjoining properties, including 50 Bishop Street, last
year and is seeking planning permission for a large and
comprehensive retail-led scheme on the site. The development will
be known as Bishop Gate.
The 3.5 acre proposed scheme will produce a completed
development value of around £50 million. The proposals were
unveiled during public consultations in February.
Speaking at MIPIM in Cannes Henry Bellfield, director of
Barberry Developments, said: "We have taken into account the views
expressed during the consultation exercise and we are delighted to
announce that we have now submitted an application for outline
planning consent for the exciting Bishop Gate development. This
clearly demonstrates our commitment to both the project and the
city. There is a huge amount of work involved in reaching this
stage with a project of this magnitude. The team at Barberry is
grateful for the support shown by Coventry City Council throughout
the process and we look forward to delivering a scheme which will
transform this part of the city centre."
He added: "We are continuing to work closely with the council on
the scheme which totals circa 400,000 sq ft to incorporate a
supermarket superstore, a fitness/leisure centre and associated
on-site car parking. Following the closure of the Royal Mail
Sorting Office this part of the city centre is in desperate need of
new investment and redevelopment. The plans are hugely exciting and
will create hundreds of jobs for local people."
Councillor Linda Bigham, Coventry City Council's cabinet member
for city development, said: "I am very excited about the
development in this area of the city. There will be something here
of interest to everyone, as well as making it easier to get to and
from the city centre and the Canal Basin. The partnership with
Barberry proves once again that Coventry is looking to the future,
even during times of economic pressures."
A planning application has been submitted this week and it is
hoped that, subject to receipt of planning consent, work could
begin on site later this year. The existing Royal Mail building
would be demolished. The proposals include removing the pedestrian
bridge across the ring road to the canal basin and replacing it
with a ground level crossing. The move would greatly improve the
connectivity of the city centre and the canal basin.
Mr Bellfield added: "Coventry City Council has been incredibly
positive in terms of supporting the development proposals which is
very refreshing. There is a real positive sentiment in the council
and both officers and councillors are motivated to see great things
happen. We believe our development fits in perfectly with the
regeneration master-plan for the city centre which sets out the
council's vision for the future."
The development proposals include:
· A supermarket superstore of up to 130,000 sq ft
including a mezzanine level.
· 585 car parking spaces on three levels.
· Gym/leisure facility with swimming pool in 20,000 sq ft
unit.
· Boulevard-style pedestrianised zones.
· Landscaping including trees, high quality street
furniture and paving.
· An 8,000 sq ft 'green' roof.
· Vehicle access off junction one of the ring road into
Tower Street.
· Pedestrian crossing link to canal basin, replacing the
existing footbridge.