JIM Cunningham has criticised the Government for failing to reverse English Heritage’s decision to grant Coventry Market listed status.
The Coventry South MP raised the issue during a debate in the House of Commons, claiming the decision threatened the ambitious, £1 billion redevelopment of the city centre.
English Heritage granted the market grade II listed status a year ago, despite council chiefs earmarking the building for demolition as part of the Jerde masterplan to redevelop the city centre.
Market traders joined councillors and the city’s MPs in protesting about the decision, backing plans to build a new market as part of the regeneration work.
But following Englsih Heritage’s review of the decision, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport has backed the market’s listed status, prompting Mr Cunningham’s criticism.
In addition, the MP hit out at the Government’s decision to axe Advantage West Midlands, a Government organisation which was to play a vital role in securing investment for the regeneration.
Commenting on the market, Mr Cunningham told John Penrose MP, minister for tourism and heritage: “If architectural design was taken into consideration, the building would not pass muster.
“Had the minister reversed the decision of English Heritage, funding could have been released to kickstart the redevelopment,” he added.
“Instead the Minister has upheld the decision on the market and the coalition has now announced Advantage West Midland (AWM) will be abolished. This means the much needed funding AWM provided to lever in private investment has been lost.
“Coventry’s in danger of being left behind yet again.”
Coventry Market, built in 1957, was granted listed status for the role it played in post-war Coventry, its innovative circular design, and the murals on the market’s walls.