Coventry’s massive Lower Precinct project is expected to get go-ahead in the next couple of weeks.

The result of a public inquiry into the £33 million development were expected in June but now looks set to come out early and a positive result is expected.

That will give the green light to developers Arrowcroft, who expect to have the whole scheme finished in two years time,

The scheme will include space for 33 new shops, the relocation of a nightclub and the improvement of the government protected round burger-bar, which could now be turned in to a tourist information centre.

This would be housed under a huge glass roof, and a mall would connect the lower precinct to the covered market area - something that Arrowcraft's believe will boost the market.

Coventry’s Development Director, John McGuigan, said that important commercial deals were also close to being clinched.

He said:

"The three prime tenants around with others will congregate are close to being signed up and that is very important.

"If we get the go-ahead it will be fantastic news. We have lost a lot of time with the enquiry – around eight or nine months – but when you are dealing with compulsory purchase orders that does take time. A positive result would allow us to deal with the remaining orders.

"We were told the results would be out by June but we gather the may be three months early which will help us catch up time.

"If all goes well then we hope to start in June and it will be finished in 2001."