Redleaf submits Coventry Arena EV and retail park plans

Two drive-thru restaurants and a retail unit have been earmarked for a former social club plot opposite the Coventry Arena, anchored by a 12-vehicle charging hub.

Demolition work is now under way at the site, which was once the home of Rowley’s Green Working Mens Club, but which has stood vacant for more than a decade.

In its place, developer Redleaf plans an EV charging facility with supporting retail, coffee and restaurant facilities – with plans now submitted to joint landowners, Coventry City Council.

Terms have been agreed with Osprey Charging, a national EV charging network operating over 400 locations, and Redleaf is in advanced discussions with national and international branded operators for the retail and F&B elements of the scheme.

Redleaf has owned a long leasehold for a large part of the site since 2013 according to Paul Bishton, founder of Redleaf, who said the firm had been approached by the local authority to bring forward a development for the plot.

“We are pleased to have formally agreed terms with Osprey Charging to anchor the scheme with a reliable ultra-rapid EV Hub,” he said.

“We have industry leading, internationally recognised retail and drive-thru operators waiting in the wings to commit having already approved designs as potential operators.

“Our latest planning application sets out a scheme designed to work for the local community, with a clear route to delivery and strong value for the council. We also see these plans complementing the exciting recent news that Coventry City Football Club is exploring development opportunities around the CBS Arena.

“For too long this land has stood derelict, and this is a real chance to put it back to productive use for the benefit of local people.”

• Plans and documents relating to this application can be found on Coventry City Council’s planning portal under reference: PL/2026/0001519/FUL