Creating the infrastructure
Funding secured for transformational schemes
Coventry secured £31.6m in WMCA Devolution Deal funding to help deliver five works packages linked to UK City of Culture 2021 and 2022 Commonwealth Games.
This is in addition to £14m LEP funded money which is currently being used on the Bull Yard schemes and the Upper Precinct schemes. The aims of the packages and the programme are to ensure a lasting legacy to promote ongoing economic growth for Coventry and the whole West Midlands. The programme aims to get Coventry ‘City Ready’ to welcome millions of visitors during 2021 and maximise the benefits of this fantastic accolade for the city and wider region to create a lasting impact.
For Coventry there is a need to change perceptions of the city as a place to visit and spend time to attract investment, retain talent and grow the visitor economy. Coventry has one of the lowest graduate retention rates in the UK, the City of Culture programme gives the council an opportunity to change the city and create a place where young professionals want to live, work and play. In addition, the programme will support the delivery of safe and vibrant communities through the creation of high quality public spaces which will help to bring communities together, as well as offering apprenticeship opportunities for local people during scheme construction and ensuring the city is accessible for all.
Transportation
A research and development project that could lead to Very Light Rail (VLR) services operating in Coventry is now well underway.
The formal procurement process is expected to run from January 2020 for 12 months. The Coventry VLR will be the first system of its type in the country. Lightweight, battery powered vehicles, capable of autonomous operation, will run on specially designed tracks that can be installed with the minimum of disruption.