Proposals for Abbey Street development in Nuneaton

People in Nuneaton and Bedworth are getting the chance to have a say about proposals for the Abbey Street development in the town.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, together with its Strategic Development Partner, Queensberry, are consulting on proposals for the Abbey Street development.

This follows a decision in October by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council’s Cabinet to approve a draft masterplan for the redevelopment of the Heart of England Co-op Society’s Head office building, land on Abbey Street and Queens Road and the Abbey Street Car Park.

The masterplan will include proposals for a cinema, hotel, new homes, leisure and mixed use, as well as car parking.

A detailed website showcasing the plans for the Abbey Street development will be launched on the 4 December, along with a series of online consultation events. The website can be found here: www.abbeystreetdevelopment.co.uk.

The online consultation events will be held on Wednesday 9 December, between 12.30pm and 2.00pm and Thursday 10 December, between 6.00pm and 7.30pm. These events will give local people the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.

Cllr Julie Jackson, Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, said:

“This is a very exciting and hugely important step in our vision for ‘Transforming Nuneaton’, and we’re really looking forward to talking to local people about our plans.

“Sadly, Covid-19 makes it difficult for us to meet people face to face as we would normally like to do. Instead, we have created a website which contains lots of information and a place for residents to tell us what they think. We’re also looking forward to answering residents’ questions at our virtual consultation events in a couple of weeks.”

“Initial plans are for a hotel operated by an international hotel brand, multi-screen cinema, an exciting new public square, restaurants and cafes, a large car park, and a small selection of refurbished shops.”

“Our commitment to developing this site as part of wider plans for the town centre has never wavered. We will continue to push for what’s best for our residents and this is part of that commitment.”

Paul Sargent, Chief Executive of Queensberry said:

“This innovative regeneration proposal is a landmark commitment for Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council. It is a transformational remix of a significant part of the town centre that will act as a catalyst for further private sector investment. Equally important, this ambitious plan addresses the recent impact of the pandemic on our lives and is designed with the local community’s health and well-being at its core. We are including a host of new uses to the area such as residential, hotel, work space, leisure, retail and a food hall. With an eye to a constantly changing world we are also considering healthcare and educational facilities within the new buildings.”

“For Queensberry consultation is an essential part of the design development process and we always learn something important from the feedback. Although currently our consultation events will be virtual, we look forward to hearing from residents, local businesses and the wider community. We have carried out several similar events already during Lockdown and have achieved great results.”