The Hill Group, and its commercial specialist partner, Shearer Property Group (SGP), have commenced archaeological works ahead of the first phase of development of City Centre South, a landmark €526.5m regeneration scheme that will transform Coventry city centre. These essential preliminary works will ensure the heritage of the site is understood, recorded, and preserved before the start of construction.
Archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology have started surveying a site in Coventry to locate the line of the historic city wall and any other archaeological remains. The excavation task will take seven to eight weeks and will include the excavation of 23 trial trenches of varying sizes and depths. If any significant items are found, they will be logged, protected, and covered for further investigation. Hill and SGP are working with Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police to ensure that emergency protocols are in place in case of any unexploded ordnance from the Second World War.
Andy Fancy, Managing Director at The Hill Group comments: “We are committed to carrying out the archaeological investigation works at City Centre South both safely and sensitively to protect any historical findings before the start of construction. These works are a routine part of the development process and essential due to the development’s location at the heart of Coventry’s historic centre.”
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration, and climate change at Coventry City Council said: “I’m pleased that this work is underway – along with the work to relocate Shopmobility to a new location at Salt Lane car park it’s the first visible work on site. This work to map and record information is important and Hill and SPG are very experienced so I’m sure it will be done efficiently and carefully with the data used to help support future stages.”
City Centre South's first phase includes almost 1000 homes, with 200 affordable ones. The development, designed by Allies and Morrison, takes inspiration from Coventry's heritage and features shops, businesses, and public open spaces. It's conveniently located within a five-minute walk of Coventry train station and forms a significant part of the city's regeneration masterplan.
Construction at City Centre South is scheduled to start in the autumn, with the first homes expected to be completed in early 2027.
Image provided by Oracle Group.
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