Coventry Rugby opens the doors on its Butts Park Arena development scheme

Coventry and Warwickshire’s general public get a first opportunity to see and discuss detailed plans for the redevelopment of the Butts Park Arena later this month.

Coventry Rugby is holding an open day at the venue between 10am and 7pm on Wednesday October 23^rd where the club and its partners will showcase the planned residential development which is now in the final stages of becoming reality.

In keeping with the 150-year-old rugby club’s community-centric approach,  the newly-created Butts Park Hub will feature 90 affordable, supported-living, extra care apartments available to anyone on housing benefit support.

The club intends this will enable residents in need of care to continue living independently and have on-site 24-hour domiciliary care support. Residents will also become part of a vibrant local retirement community located close to the city centre with amenities that include a new health and well-being hub.

In addition to this residential development, the wider Butts Park Arena scheme will upgrade facilities at the rugby stadium for players and spectators and build a new hotel. 

It is intended that the overall package created will enhance the rugby club’s long-term prospects by making it more financially sustainable and as a result put it in a strong position to challenge English rugby’s established elite.

Chief Executive Nick Johnston admitted getting the scheme to this point has been a long and arduous task but he is adamant that the club is taking the right approach.

“We’re in the final straight now and need to establish how much interest there is from local people who may consider moving to this location,” he said.

“It has taken ages to get to this point, but we believe a community-centric approach that establishes affordable supported living is consistent with our values.

“We’re throwing the doors open to anyone who is curious about what we’re doing. By coming along on the 23^rd you’re not committing yourself to anything, but it may just be that you see something of interest to you, your family or friends.”