More Coventry city centre deals expected in 2020

Chris Hobday, of Holt Commercial

Coventry city centre is set to attract more new businesses in 2020 – after bringing in a diverse range of new operators over the past 12 months.

That’s the view of a leading property expert who has helped to secure everything from the city centre’s first cat café through to new office-based businesses.

Chris Hobday, of Holt Commercial, said there are further units under offer that are set for completion this year and that while the retail market is still being tested, there is firm interest in the city centre.

He said: “On the whole, it’s been positive from a lettings point of view over the past year and there has been a real mix of businesses.

“Of course, the new cat café was relatively high profile but we’ve also attracted, amongst others, an international parcel distribution company, a returning restaurant operator and a national contractor who is working on parts of the city centre development.

“Furthermore, we have secured deals on a new fitness brand in the city centre, a recruitment company and, also, a new entertainment venue that is due to open in 2020.

“The high street is changing, as we all know, so it’s important to have more people in the city centre – whether it’s living, working or visiting – in order to drive business.

“We are under offer on two vacant retail units as we come into the New Year and hope to see those completed early in 2020 along with securing further lettings during Q1.”