The creation of a new garden and the introduction of artistic murals are two of the key improvements which will lift the Lower Precinct area when environmental improvement work gets underway next week.

The idea behind the Lower Precinct improvement scheme is to improve and brighten up the key link between the Lower Precinct area and Spon Street, in readiness for the opening of LeisureWorld and Arena alongside the completion of the improvement project in medieval Spon Street this October.

Councillor Sheila Collins, the Council’s Economic Regeneration Policy Team Chair said:

"The whole Lower Precinct and Retail Market area will be benefiting with the massive £38 million shopping and leisure development due to commence early next year. In the meantime, we are keen to ensure the area can be enhanced with this smaller scheme which will bring benefits to the existing businesses in the area and provide a welcoming feel for visitors to Coventry.

"A lot of effort and time is being spent on this part of our city centre as it will become a very important gateway to and from Spon Street. With the LeisureWorld and Arena development alongside the improvement scheme for medieval Spon Street set for an October finish, the area will become a very busy, bustling part of the city."

Coventry Arts Exchange, in conjunction with local children and artists, are producing the decorative mural part of the scheme, which concentrates on using the exterior shutters of the property previously occupied by Browns Café Bar.

A temporary garden will be created in the square, providing a welcoming green space with containers resplendent with colourful seasonal bedding plants.

The £50,000 improvement scheme also includes additional lighting and repairs, better signage, window displays and refurbishment seating and decoration and is due for completion by the end of July.