Coventry City Council has launched a new masterplan for its city centre which foresees its transformation into one of the country’s most important and successful cities.

The council is now conducting further consultations on the plan, which was drawn up by architect, the Jerde Partnership, after extensive public involvement revealed local people wanted more independent shops as well as green space, trees and water.

‘This is no copycat, clone shopping mall,’ said council leader, Ken Taylor. ‘It’s distinctive, quirky and special, and it will make the centre of Coventry unique again.’

Parts of the city, including some of the squares from the post-war rebuilding by Donald Gibson, will be restored, as will Lower Precinct. ‘They’ve been neglected but just need reconnecting with the rest of the centre and restored to their original proportions,’ said deputy director of city development, Martin Yardley. A further six weeks of consultations is planned, followed by a final masterplan in January.