GRADE II STATUS OF COVENTRY MARKET MIGHT BE INACCURATE

COVENTRY Market’s controversial Grade II listing is to be reviewed after “factual inaccuracies” were found in English Heritage’s case.

The listing, rubber-stamped by the government, will now be examined again by English Heritage, then by a panel of independent experts.

Coventry market traders had formally appealed against the listing of the building, which celebrated its 50th birthday last year, as a national monument of historic and architectural importance.

If the current status remains then it threatens to scupper huge rebuilding plans for the south half of the city centre under the city council and US architect Jerde’s £1bn vision.

But the Coventry market traders association, whose members are keen to move to a new circular market building nearby, spotted errors in English Heritage’s report on aspects of the building’s history and architecture.

English Heritage has now written back to Coventry North west Labour MP Geoffrey Robinson, who backed the traders, to confirm a review had highlighted “factual inaccuracies” in English Heritage’s report to the Government.

The letter does not specify what those errors were and Coventry market traders are still waiting to hear if their appeal will be upheld.

But English Heritage’s letter, seen by the Times, said: “A review has been received by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and they will ask us to consider its claims carefully.

“Some factual inaccuracies have indeed been identified, and some challenges made to our claims to assessment.

“We will address these with the greatest care, and will seek external validation for our conclusion by referring the case to our advisory committee, made up of external experts.”

Councillor Gary Ridley, cabinet member for city development, said: “We were disappointed with the decision the make the market a listed building and that it went against the wish of the traders.

“The building is not fit for purpose and Coventry Market will be moving. It would be a shame to see the building stay if it cannot be used for anything else because of its state.

“The Jerde plan will go ahead, even if it means working around the market site, but we hope the status will be reconsidered.”

If the listing is upheld, Coventry City Council hopes to persuade the government and English Heritage the building is run-down and is no longer viable in any capacity, so should be demolished despite the listing.