The changing face of Coventry

In recent years, the city of Coventry has seen a number of new development and investment initiatives, with some projects are already well underway.

The work so far on the Friargate development opposite the train station has transformed the surrounding area, with the state of the art One Friargate building recently opening its doors to new tenants, Coventry City Council and the Financial Ombudsman Service. While at the heart of the city centre a new multi-million pound water park and leisure facility is slowly taking shape. The architectural design and night lighting will make the building truly unique, along with providing the city with a great leisure attraction which will attract local people and those from further afield.

Rolling back the years, the City of Coventry has true manufacturing pedigree. Ranging from the well-known (Coventry was once considered the hub of the British motor industry, including cars and motorcycles) to the less-known (watch making). However, manufacturing suffered a significant decline in the 1970's and 1980's and many British industrial cities suffered. In Coventry's case, the motor industry which for so long had been the backbone of the city, fell away. Alongside this, much of the rebuilding work which took place after the second world war has slowly but surely aged and is in need of renewal and regeneration.

However, in recent years, the city is enjoying a renaissance.

For example, the London Taxi Company (now known as LEVC) have opened a new manufacturing plant at Anstey Park, creating more than 1,000 jobs and will have a production line for its ground-breaking new electric taxi. While Jaguar Land Rover are investing millions of pounds into the city and the wider region in expanding its Whitley headquarters, putting forward proposals for a new factory site to return Jaguar Land Rover vehicle manufacturing to the city and backing the National Automotive Innovation Centre in partnership with the University of Warwick. It's brilliant to see new research, development and manufacturing opportunities up and running in the city and wider region.

There are further plans in the pipeline for more major development and infrastructure upgrades in the city, in particular the City Centre South development which will transform the city centre with the potential for new retail units, restaurants and leisure facilities. The continued success of Coventry University and the University of Warwick is also creating high demand for quality student accommodation.

It's clear that the city is undergoing a major transformation, and exciting times are ahead. But don't just take my word for it, as Coventry was recently named as UK City of Culture 2021.

At Band Hatton Button, we're thrilled to see our city continue to thrive and take great pride in supporting local people and businesses in the city with their legal requirements.