The Coventry Cross - a replica of the medieval monument which sands proudly in the city centre - is starting to be dismantled in a move that will see it relocated.

Plans to move the landmark from Cuckoo Lane to Ironmonger Square were brought to a planning committee at Coventry City Council last November.

It will now be sited adjacent to Primark, overlooking Holy Trinity Church.

It had been earmarked for a move since before Christmas, but the move is now starting to take place.

Scaffolding and sheeting has gone up around the landmark in preparation for the move.

Railings have also been put up around the cross while workmen get started on taking it down.

The scaffolding has gone up around it to the top while sheets cover the landmark itself.

It isn't known how long it will take to dismantle.

Controversial Coventry Cross removal

The Coventry Cross replica - a highly decorative sandstone and concrete pillar - has stood in Cuckoo Lane since 1976.

A petition has already been submitted to Coventry City Council with more than 780 signers asking for it to remain in place.

But Guy Shearer, of the Shearer Property Group, has previously said the monument would be fully restored - and taken to a "superior location" in Ironmonger Row where it would be seen by more residents and visitors.

“We fully understand the affection in which local people hold the Coventry Cross – but the plans take that fully into account," he said.

“The application will allow the council to carefully dismantle the 1970s Cross, take it away for cleaning and restoration and then re-site it in Ironmonger Row.

“Not only will that see it back closer to the site where the original reportedly stood, but it will be seen by far more people than where it currently stands.

"This is a superior location and setting for the monument with greater prominence and space around it.

"It will have greater visibility and more recognition."

Cathedral Lanes plans

The relocation of the Coventry Cross would allow the square at the back of Cathedral Lanes to be redeveloped.

A computer-generated image released last week shows how the area would look if the proposal went ahead.

It would see a new restaurant take over the conservatory-style building in Cuckoo Lane.

One potential tenant has been named as popular Caribbean-fusion restaurant Turtle Bay - and an outdoor seating area for guests wanting to dine al fresco.

The refurbishment is part of Coventry City Council's plans to redevelop the city centre.

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