About

The commercial heart of Coventry boasts a unique location alongside unbeatable national and international connectivity.

Bringing innovative, world-class commercial buildings to the city for the first time, Friargate leads the way in matching the aspirations of occupiers and their staff.

Park land and public realm around Friargate Coventry. CGI.

Just metres from national rail connections, ten minutes from a major international airport and the HS2 Interchange station, Friargate is also at the very centre of the UK’s road network.

Already providing new, cutting-edge commercial space, Friargate is ready to welcome further major organisations and visitors to its mixed use estate.

With two world-class universities, Coventry University and the University of Warwick, it also has a young, enthused and highly-skilled graduate talent pool right on its doorstep.

Site Plan

Aerial view of the Friargate development highlighting key buildings. Illustration.

History

The Friargate name comes from one of the medieval walled town’s gates, located close to the medieval Friary to the south of the centre.

The Friar Gate was a gap inside the wall – originally no more than just a wooden fence – and faced almost directly south in the direction of Warwick and Leamington, and was one of the most important routes for trade and commerce as the medieval town became an important centre for ribbon manufacture and later, watches and textiles.

Stained windows and church ceiling inside St Mary's Guildhall.

A time capsule has also been buried underneath the development, and will be unearthed in 50 years’ time to show future generations what life was like when Friargate was being constructed.

The items inside the capsule were chosen by people in Coventry and were buried by pupils from St Osburg’s, Spon Gate and All Saints C of E primary schools.

Pupils from St Osburg’s, Spon Gate and All Saints C of E primary schools burying the Friargate time capsule.

Progress

Learn more about the progress and history of the Friargate site.

2010

The start of the Friargate development project

2013

Planning permission granted by the city council

2014

Bridge deck constructed, providing seamless access across the ring road

2015

Construction of the first commercial building, One Friargate, begins

2017

CCC move into One Friargate

2020

City of Culture starts and helps re-affirm Coventry’s profile in the national consciousness

2021

£82 million redevelopment of Coventry station completes with improved access and concourse facilities

The Team

Friargate Coventry LLP is a partnership between Coventry City Council and developer Cannon Kirk.

Coventry City Council is a dynamic and forward thinking public body representing the 371,000 citizens of the city.

Cannon Kirk is a leading international commercial and residential developer with schemes across the UK and Ireland. It works through a commitment to innovation and partnership.

The West Midlands Combined Authority ensures a joined up and strategic approach to regional issues like health, housing and transport. The directly elected mayor of the West Midlands is Andy Street.