Work to start on £25million restoration in eyesore Coventry street

One of Coventry's last surviving pre-war streets is to get £2million towards a major facelift.

Plans for the Burges include restoring old buildings and installing shop fronts that are more sympathetic to the architecture.

And as we reported last month, the plans also include opening up the River Sherbourne behind the Burges as a new public square.

Artist's impression of what the Burges could look like. The shop names are generic and are not an indication that any existing businesses will close. (Image: Historic England)

The money has been put forward by the government - and comes just six months after a £1.8million bid for Lottery funding towards the full £25million cost of the scheme was rejected.

The £25million price tag includes the construction of Millennium View, which has already been completed.

Once a salubrious shopping district in the 1900s and a vibrant thoroughfare, the Burges survived the Blitz but is now widely regarded as one of Coventry's most run-down streets.

It is seen as an ideal choice for restoration and regeneration as it is one of the city centre’s last surviving pre-war streets, with features that can be traced back to medieval times and a number of listed buildings.

It is hoped the project will help attract tourists who are visiting the neighbouring Transport Museum and Old Grammar School.

Look: Coventry's bustling Burges in photos from yesteryear

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What happens now?

Historic Coventry Trust, which led the bid, alongside Coventry City Council and Coventry Business Improvement District (BID), will follow the blueprint that has seen the successful transformation of Far Gosford Street.

The funding will allow the Trust to start restoration work this year, ahead of Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture in 2021.

The Trust says it will be "working closely" with owners and businesses to improve the buildings.

The Burges is set for a major transformation with waterside cafes

What's been said?

Historic Coventry Trust

Ian Harrabin, chairman of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “We have been working hard with Coventry City Council over many years to raise the funding to bring about the regeneration of this ancient street as a follow-on project to Far Gosford Street.

“We’re finally there and Coventry is leading a new Government programme with the city in the national spotlight for heritage regeneration.

"This is great news and many people will join me in the excitement of opening up the city’s river, where the very origins of Coventry began.

“This is a part of the city centre that is sorely in need of regeneration and our plans will make it an area that will attract visitors and boost the economy.

“We are very excited about the opportunity that 2021 has given to Coventry and will be working with City of Culture to ensure that creativity is integral to the proposals.”

Coventry City Council

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration at Coventry City Council, said: “The regeneration of The Burges and Palmer Lane have been in our sights for a long time with huge support from the community and local businesses.

“It follows my goal of saving the best of the old while building the best of the new.

"Securing the funding to make it happen shows the benefit of the Council working in partnership with the Trust and our local businesses.

“This all fits with our plans to make Coventry a great visitor city, boosting retailers and turning the tide on national decline of the high street.”

The Burges is set for a major transformation with waterside cafés

Coventry BID

Andy Talbot, chairman of Coventry BID, said: “Coventry BID are delighted to be working with Historic Coventry on this new initiative for The Burges.

"It is wonderful that our BID businesses in this area will see an improvement in the aesthetics of the street.”

Where the money came from

The Department for Digital, Culture Media & Sport (DCMS) made the £2million grant available as a 'demonstrator project' for its £44million High Streets Heritage Action Zone programme led by Historic England, as part of an overall £62million investment in high street heritage.

Recent improvements

Several big name firms have already moved into the street, including German Doner Kebab in the former Cashino gaming centre, while another fast food outlet, Big John's, is set to move into the former Metro pub premises.

A noodle bar and a bubble tea cafe are also set to open in the coming weeks.

What's in a name?

The name Burges comes from ‘bitwene the brugges’ (between the bridges) and was a name in use as far back as 1343.

It was known as St John’s Bridge(s) until at least 1851, and by 1869 as Burges.

It took its name from the bridges over the River Sherbourne and its tributary the Radford Brook, near St. John’s Hospital.

Watch: The River Sherbourne flows UNDER Coventry

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Other neglected sites

Fourteen of Coventry’s most treasured historical sites are at risk of neglect, decay or vandalism, according to a new report.

A new entry in the latest Historic England At Risk Register is Holy Trinity Church in the city centre, although the cathedral ruins and the Old Grammar School are no longer on the list.