A detailed planning application for the second Grade A building at Friargate has been submitted to Coventry City Council.
Designed by leading architectural practice, Allies & Morrison, the striking 14 storey building will have a double height ground floor that will feature restaurant/café space to create a lively frontage onto the newly-opened pedestrian boulevard in Station Square, and a large garden terrace on the southern side of the eighth floor.
Balconies set in the open south-western corner of the building will also give views over the new landscaped public space, while a glazed pavilion will sit on the top level, offering far-reaching views across the city in all directions.
Robert Maxwell of Allies & Morrison said: “We have designed a building with a number of features that will add interest: a glazed pavilion, terraces, balconies, a splayed elevation and active ground floor will all help to deliver vibrancy to the building and to the pedestrian boulevard that connects the station to Greyfriars Green. This building will also establish the character and scale of the future development within the overall masterplan.”
Stephen Reynolds from developers Friargate Coventry LLP said: “The new building will enhance the Friargate development bringing additional vitality at street level.
“The old Station Tower was fully demolished in January and now with the landscaped pedestrian boulevard in daily use, Coventry City Council’s building emerging from the ground and the second building in for planning, Friargate is really starting to transform the city. It is increasingly identified as an attractive and viable business location with considerable financial, geographic and lifestyle benefits.”
Covering 37 acres, Friargate will create up to 15,000 jobs. Among the 25 new buildings to be delivered, will be 14 new office buildings, hotels, shops and restaurants in addition to new homes that will bring the community to life.
The scheme is making rapid progress since work began in 2014, with Coventry City Council’s new 13 storey office building on target to be completed in Summer 2017.