COVENTRY City Council says its cabinet is set to approve the development of a site at Friargate that will see Coventry’s first four-star hotel being built in the city centre for almost 50 years.
Warwickshire based Castlebridge Group is set to lodge a planning application for ’boutique hotel brand’ Hotel Indigo which operates in over 120 locations worldwide, including Kensington, York, Bath and Stratford-Upon-Avon.
The hotel would have 100 beds, along with a fine dining restaurant and themed bars that will be open to both residents and the general public.
Around £1.6million of council funds would go to preparing the site.
It would also be a major step forward for the planned Friargate development next to Coventry railway station.
After nearly two decades of planning, it still only has one tower block – which the council built for itself.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that we are set to bring such a great hotel, a premium brand within the hotel sector, to our city, and it’s fantastic that they’ve chosen to come to Coventry. I hope work can get underway quickly with opening set for Spring 2021.
“Having a top-quality hotel in the city centre has been too long coming. But here we are – a fantastic brand is coming and is going to help make Coventry a popular and diverse tourist destination. The fact that we can now attract a four-star hotel investment says a lot about how far the city has come. They believe Coventry is the right place for them and that sends an important signal to others.
“It’s also important that we use this opportunity to create jobs for local people, both in the development and the running of the hotel. We have had discussions about how we maximise opportunities for local people in the construction and operational phases.”
Jenna Dienn of the Castlebridge Group said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for the group, Coventry is a great city and we believe that both hotel and restaurant will provide an excellent addition to the city’s hotel and dining offer.
”This is a big investment for us but we think there is real demand for a top quality hotel in the city and we are looking forward to seeing how we can use Coventry’s rich and unique heritage to create something very special for the city.
The team at Coventry has also been a real pleasure to work with. We have felt the ambition they have to improve the city and we want to be part of what they are creating. It’s an exciting time.”
The council will also be asked to approve the lease of 50 car parking spaces, located within the new rail station multi-story car park, to the hotel.
The proposals will first go to cabinet on August 27 and then full council on September 3.
If approved, Castlebridge is expected to lodge a planning application in the Autumn, and start work in the first quarter of next year.
