Work that will leave Coventry city centre looking “refreshed” has been approved. Broadgate House and Mercia Lodge will get a makeover under plans by the council that got the go-ahead on January 7.
The buildings will get new lighting to look like ones used in the 1950s when huge post-war rebuilding took place in the city centre. Their balustrades will also be taken away, refurbished and replaced.
A report with the plans claims they will have a “positive impact” on how the listed buildings look and help secure their historical significance. Replica lights were installed at the Upper Precinct four years ago as part of the City of Culture year and the council now has funding to do this in the buildings at Broadgate, it added.
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Part of Coventry city centre will look like it did in 1950s after makeover
The current lights at the buildings are either beyond repair or are used only as flag poles, it said. Work will also take place in a certain way to make sure the public are safe, according to the document.
The new lighting on Upper Precinct in 2022
(Image: LDRS)
“The access will be balcony level with the balustrade and a tube out to receive a ladder with gate access to Mercia and Broadgate lodge. The contractor will also be using an alloy tower to pass materials with removal after use,” it said.
“Broadgate house also has a door accessing the building if other access is required. Working hours will be throughout the day and the site will be closed safely and diverted round the barriers where needed to.”
The report concluded: “The completion of these works will make the city centre look refreshed but also continue to keep the heritage value and look of the city, which links to the look and feel of the Upper Precinct balconies and lighting columns.”
Assessing the scheme, a council planning officer said the changes will “bring the lighting back to its former glory.” They added that the work at the balustrades will “reinvigorate” their “tired condition” and the move is welcomed.