C&A’s closure will not affect the re-development of the Lower Precinct, according to council officers involved with the £38 million scheme.

Work has already started on improving the shop units in the run-down part of Coventry city centre.

Part of the shopping area will be covered, and there will be a new walkway through to Coventry Retail Market.

At the bottom of the Precinct a new store next to C&A was to be constructed and taken on by TJ Hughes.

These two big names, along with fashion chain Hennes were to be a big draw to the new area.

But today’s announcement of the closure of the store means that there will be an empty unit to contend with.

Development Surveyor Sue Ashby of Coventry City Council, said the closure of C&A would not cast a shadow over the changes.

She said what happened with the store in the short-term would be up to C&A bosses, but the lease will shortly transfer to Scottish Life.

And C&A’s departure could provide a platform to entice another big High Street name to the Precinct.

Ms Ashby said:

“The scheme is well-anchored by the pre-letting. It means there will be another ideal opportunity for another store to come in and be a major player in the development."