News

As one of the cities furthest away from a coastline, we believe Coventry to be at the centre of the country. The beating heart, if you will. There are some excellent reasons why it’s been named UK City of Culture 2021 and European City of Sport 2019. Let us explain…

Past

Did you know that Britain’s car industry was founded by Daimler in a disused Coventry cotton mill in 1896? The penny-farthing bicycle was invented and manufactured here, and the inventor of the jet engine was from Coventry. More than 130,000 London black cabs have been built here since 1919. Coventry was also the centre of the watchmaking industry for centuries, so you could say, Coventry keeps the country moving and ticking.

We are sociable and community-minded, for example, Coventry was the first city in the world to twin with another (the Russian city of Stalingrad, now Volgograd). We’re now twinned with 26 cities around the world.

As industry waxes and wanes, Coventry has adapted and moved with the times.

Present

Some major events have already been hosted in the city this year – BBC’s Biggest Weekend, the Rolling Stones playing at the Ricoh Arena, MotoFest, a Royal visit, the Godiva and Pride festivals, are all testament to the confidence in the city and its residents.

Coventry City Football and Rugby clubs have both gained promotion this year – more reasons to celebrate and be proud.

With two (yes, two) universities, there’s a great energy from the young residents of the city. There’s a technology park attached to Coventry University, encouraging and supporting the start-up and development of innovation-led, high-growth, knowledge-based businesses. Research, development and tech start-ups are happening right now.

Future

The events, funding and investment in the area will stimulate an estimated £1 billion of direct economic impact to the city. And will continue to attract more attention. For example, National Lottery funding has been awarded to Coventry to the tune of £4.3million and will enable Coventry’s 14th century monastery to open to the public for the first time in 80 years.

Massive spend on infrastructure and transportation links, the canal basin and the restoration of a river means the city will continue to get better and better, with an estimated 2,000 new jobs being created due to the City of Culture status.

Coventry is an exciting place to be – right now, and building for the future. Continuing to be the beating heart, as it’s always been.