The transformation of Coventry’s Far Gosford street into a vibrant hub for the area’s creative talent has reached another milestone with the opening of the Creative Hub in one of Coventry’s oldest buildings.
The Creative Hub will provide a focus for all business, resident and visitor activity in the street providing business support services, a local history and information centre and meeting facilities. The focus is on not just attracting businesses in creative sectors but encouraging creativity in all local businesses and residents.
The development marks the start of a major project to transform one of Coventry’s most historic areas into a vibrant bohemian quarter and centre for creative enterprises. The initiative is being supported by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, Coventry City Council, Coventry Warwickshire and Solihull Partnership and Heritage Lottery Fund. The project is being delivered by developer Complex Development Projects Ltd in partnership with the Council.
The Hub was launched at a reception hosted by the Leader of Coventry City Council, Ken Taylor, with over 80 guests from regional agencies, the creative sector and local businesses. Cllr Ken Taylor, said: "I was very proud to be asked to help officially open 121 to 124 Far Gosford Street. It looks absolutely stunning, inside and out. It has been sensitively restored and effectively saved from collapse – showing just what can be done with impressive and historic buildings like this.
"Anyone that hasn’t been to Far Gosford Street for a while should think about taking a look. It has changed significantly over recent years and the transformation of 121 to 124 and the former Hand and Heart pub next door have set a new restoration standard that we will aim to meet as we work to save the street and restore the many listed buildings to their former glory."
Advantage West Midlands has invested more than £2 million purchasing land and helping with property restoration costs, and has committed more funds to further phases. AWM recently approved £1.15 million of funding from the European Regional Development Fund to continue the restoration of historic buildings on the street already underway through the Townscape Heritage Initiative funded by Heritage Lottery.
Phil Roberts, Partnerships Director at Advantage West Midlands, said: “It’s great to see the progress being made on Far Gosford street, as the redevelopment of Coventry city centre is one of the Agency’s top 20 priorities in the region.
“Far Gosford Street is a high profile area and the restoration of its historic physical fabric and the creation of a vibrant local economy will help change the perception of Coventry and encourage enterprise, which will create local jobs for local people.”
The Creative Hub is housed in 121-124 Far Gosford street, a timber framed listed building dating back to the 1500’s. The building, along with the adjoining Hand & Heart pub, has been restored by developer Complex Development Projects (CDP) with funding from Advantage West Midlands.
CDP’s Managing Director, Ian Harrabin, said: “These fine buildings make a huge impact on the central area of the street and will really help in generating the confidence that is so essential for the successful transformation of the area. I take my hat off to the construction team – it’s been a labour of love and they’ve really set a benchmark for future projects.”
The wider plans for Far Gosford street include quality new developments on surplus land, including a hotel near the Sky Blue Way roundabout, accommodation for digital, media and creative businesses, the restoration of historic buildings and the re-use of an old industrial estate as a vibrant centre for creative enterprises.
The transformation of Far Gosford street is part of the radical £2.2 billion transformation of Coventry into a 21st century city. Coventry City Council, Coventry University, Business Link West Midlands and the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce are working together to co-ordinate support for existing businesses in the Far Gosford street area. Work is also ongoing with the Police, CVOne and local businesses to install CCTV cameras and improve the area's day-to-day management.