Location: Coventry
Complex Development Projects worked in partnership with Coventry City Council on the physical, economic, heritage, and cultural regeneration of Far Gosford Street which was recognised as the city’s “creative quarter”
The principal catalyst and draw for Far Gosford Street is the unique offer and attraction of FarGo Village. The underlying concept to the Village was the creation of a bohemian quarter around the establishment of a marketplace for designer-makers and fine and performing arts. The concept had similarities to the early regeneration of the Camden Lock area of London and centered upon a market and entertainment focus that becomes an attraction for weekend visitors. The aim is to create a cool place to hang out and to visit, where you can buy alternative and creative/artistic products, eat street food, be entertained by street performances and art shows.
The “Village” acts as a seedbed for local business talent and focuses on growth sectors of product design and media. The concept is innovative and unique in the West Midlands but is not untried being based on successful projects in other UK cities.
The project was undertaken in two stages, the first stage started on site in August 2013 and opened to the public in September 2014. Stage 2 was the delivery of a 500 capacity venue which opened in September 2015. The project was funded by ERDF with some private finance.
FarGo Village attracts over 250,000 visitors per year and is well established as a Coventry Visitor Attraction, venue, and community space. Further development of The Box is now complete with the addition of live performance facilities, technical equipment, staging, lighting, back of house facilities, and improved acoustics. The newly developed Box opened in September 2019. Work never stops at FarGo, in January 21, building works started on the new Street Food Hall, Factory, which opened in June 21. Despite restricted openings and long periods of closure due to the pandemic in 2020/21, the village has remained consistent with over 90% occupancy rate throughout a difficult period.
For more information visit www.fargovillage.co.uk