Final phase on Coventry's £2m Royal Mail centre

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WORK on the new £2.4 million Royal Mail delivery centre in Coventry should be completed by the end of November, it has been announced this week.

The site, which will house workers from Bishop Street’s delivery operation, has entered the final phase of construction at the facility at Edgwick Park.

The development is one of two new facilities being built in the city – the second site could be developed near to the city’s Tollbar island, if planning consent is granted.

Both sites will accommodate 400 staff between them and will serve the north and south of the city.

Plans to build the first new centre on the industrial estate off Foleshill Road, was approved by Coventry City Council earlier this year.

Royal Mail met with strong opposition over their decision to close the Bishop Street office – which union leaders claimed could result in the loss of hundreds of jobs.

Coventry-based contractor GAJ moved onto site in June to construct the 16,480 sq ft building – which is due to be handed over in ten weeks and fully operational in time for Christmas.

Bosses at Royal Mail have praised the facility, which is being developed by local firm Blue Ribbon Estates.

Royal Mail’s regional operations director for the Midlands Paul Jobling said: “This site is an ideal location for us and will provide a much improved facility for Royal Mail in the Coventry area.”

Work is also underway to create new road access to the estate for Coventry City Council in order to alleviate local traffic problems.

The site, owned by Wigleys Contracts (Barby) Ltd, was a former industrial estate and is a major part of the regeneration of the city.

Once the distribution centre is completed, the site will undergone further regeneration with a new retail and commercial development, with includes could include office space, a DIY store and a hotel with restaurant.

Mike Vining, director of Blue Ribbon Estates, added: “We are very pleased to be working with Royal Mail and Coventry City Council on this important scheme.”