QUASH MARKET'S GRADE II STATUS

COVENTRY Market could lose its status as a listed building as it could hinder plans to redevelop the city centre.

In June this year English Heritage listed the market, which opened in 1958, as a Grade II building.

But traders, councillors and MPs have stepped in and asked for the decision to be reviewed.

They fear the listing of the circular building could prevent the market moving to a new purpose-built home under architect Jerde’s £1billion city centre development plans.

Jim Cunningham, Labour MP for Coventry South, wrote to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and asked to review the title.

Mr Cunningham said: “There seems to have been little consultation about this decision and the impact it could have.

“Traders tell me the market is not fit for purpose, being too hot in the summer and freezing and flooding in the winter.

“They also believe the decision was taken with very little understanding of the history of the
market.”

Culture minister Barbara Follett has confirmed through a letter to Mr Cunningham that a re-examination of the building will take place.

“There is some good news however,” added Mr Cunningham.

“Ms Follett tells me a review of the decision is currently being assessed and her officials will look at all the evidence on the architectural or historic merit of the market and will then take a decision as to whether the original decision to list the market was correctly made.”

Councillor Gary Ridley, cabinet member for city development, said: “We are very pleased to hear English Heritage is looking at Coventry Market’s Grade II listing.

“People and traders helped us to draw up a very exciting plan for the market within the Jerde masterplan and we hope we can now return to our preferred option to relocate the market.

“The Jerde masterplan reflects the historic importance of the market but critically it relocates it to a much better position, recog-nising its role as a true anchor in the city as a place for people to meet and shop.”