Work on a scheme to build 750 residences in a part of Coventry is poised to commence.
Housing provider Citizen has revealed that the first stage of construction at Spon End will get underway soon. This follows the organisation completing contract exchanges with building firm The Hill Group.
The initiative involves erecting 750 dwellings across three stages spanning a decade. So far, 158 residences at Kerry House, Milestone House and Trafalgar House have been cleared.
The opening stage will involve constructing 257 homes on those sites. Of these, 205 will be offered at social rent levels while 52 will be available through a rent-to-buy scheme where initial payments are set at 80 percent of typical market rates, with the option to purchase the property subsequently.
The initial phase will consist of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, with completion anticipated between the end of 2028 and mid-2029.
Citizen’s Development Executive Director Nick Byrne commented that reaching this contract exchange stage marks significant progress for the substantial Spon End regeneration scheme. He noted that the 158 properties previously demolished at the location represent a major milestone, and that the organisation has collaborated intensively with partners over recent years to bring forward plans that will revitalise the neighbourhood through offering more energy-efficient affordable accommodation, expanding and enhancing green public areas and revealing the River Sherbourne corridor. He added that the wider programme will continue for ten years, with community input shaping proposals, and that progress over the coming three years would be welcome.
Artist’s visualisation of the initial phase (Image: provided)
The Hill Group’s Regional Director Stuart Bale stated that formalising the agreement with Citizen to deliver the first stage of this Spon End regeneration represents a valuable chance to establish high-quality, energy-efficient residences for local residents, and that the team looks forward to beginning work on site and maintaining close cooperation with Citizen and the local community.
The scheme has also received support from city elected members.
Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, Councillor Naeem Akhtar, observed that demand for quality, affordable accommodation locally remains significant, making it pleasing that construction can now proceed. He mentioned being present when demolition commenced and expressed admiration at the pace of that work, noting that the new energy-efficient residences would substantially benefit the Spon End community and support objectives to enhance resident wellbeing.
Cabinet Member for Jobs, Regeneration and Climate Change, Councillor Jim O’Boyle, remarked that commencing activity at Spon End represents positive news. He highlighted that the new properties would be energy efficient with increased green areas and situated within walking distance of the city centre, representing a welcome development for Coventry.