Citizen has selected The Hill Group for a major regeneration project in Spon End, Coventry.
- This contract involves demolishing old buildings and constructing 750 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable.
- The project stretches over three phases, with the first phase valued at £75 million.
- The success of this initiative relies on Hill’s expertise with high-rise constructions and community engagement.
- Citizen is set to apply for planning approval, anticipating a start in autumn 2024 with construction in spring 2025.
Citizen, a prominent housing association, has entrusted The Hill Group with the significant task of redeveloping Spon End, a suburb located to the west of Coventry city centre. The area, characterised by its outdated 1960s blocks of flats, is set to undergo a transformative process under Hill’s stewardship. They will undertake the demolition of these structures and proceed with the construction of approximately 750 new housing units, a considerable portion of which will be allocated as affordable housing, specifically 30%. Alongside the residential overhaul, the project promises enhanced landscaping efforts, particularly focused around the River Sherbourne, which runs through the area.
The total cost for this ambitious regeneration scheme exceeds £200 million, spread across three distinct phases of development. However, to date, Citizen has committed financially only to the initial phase, which commands a budget of £75 million. Kevin Roach, holding the position of Director of Regeneration Services at Citizen, has disclosed that Hill was chosen due to its vast experience within the housing sector, particularly in executing high-rise building projects. Furthermore, they are recognised for fostering strong community relations as they strive to revitalise and transform neighbourhoods.
The process is still in its early stages, with plans to formally submit a detailed proposal to Coventry City Council expected later this summer. Should the council give their approval, the plan is to commence the demolition phase in autumn 2024, specifically targeting Kerry House, Milestone House, and Trafalgar House. Following the clearance of these sites, Hill anticipates starting construction activities for the new homes by spring 2025, marking the commencement of the first phase of the project.
The collaboration between Citizen and Hill underscores a proactive step towards urban renewal in Coventry.
