Plans have been approved to transform Coventry’s Upper Precinct shopping environment and create 75 student rooms.
Shearer Property Group and the owner of The Upper Precinct have been given the green light to include alterations to the shopfronts, walkways and public realm and to remove an escalator.
A new entrance will be provided into West Orchards Shopping Centre and the empty upper floors will be converted into student accommodation.
In October, Stewart Underwood, director at Shearer Property Group, said: “With the recent closure of BHS it is really important that we invest now to create a shopping environment that will help existing and new shops to thrive.
“Our proposals are an exciting opportunity to rejuvenate the Upper Precinct and the city centre as a whole.”
Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said at the time: “I’m pleased that there is a plan to remove the escalators in Upper Precinct – there is no love for them or the ramp which blocks the views of the cathedral spire. And people have been telling us for years that they would like them removed.
“This proposal will mean we get the best of the original Gibson plan back, alongside some modern additions.”