City centre shopping precincts

Was it warm in January 2009 in Coventry, as from the photos, some people appear to be in short sleeves?

It's unlikely that a camera's date would "only" be three years out, and even then - if this were really taken in 2006 then it's even more unlikely the camera's date would be set in the future? If the camera's backup battery were expired then the date would more likely be (say) 01/01/1980. The only other possibility is that some software has been used to reset the dates on a batch of files which included this one. But then, we could always wait for the original poster to tell us when it was taken!!!!

Yes, they don't mind spending money on 'delightful to look at' projects and then decide later to take them down. So it seems the public have to go without toilets too in that area!! Not Coventry related but I would add it is just the same here in W.A. The old heritage buildings are taking second place and being overshadowed by the modern ugly glass ones. That's progress for you!!

You keep looking too. Thirty odd years ago, my sister-in-law bought an AA touring gazette of the UK. Each double page of the book consisted of photos on the left hand page & the map on the right. The very first page had pictures of Cornwall which included a scene at the fish quay end of Penzance. In the picture was me, staring into a fisherman's curiosity shop window. I am not too sure that she ever used her book after that Best wishes Philip.

All - I've been fascinated by this photo - apologies to anyone who owns the rights. As per previous threads I've only ever known the city centre pretty much in its current format growing up in the 70's so images like these really 'bring to life' the images of old to the new as both are visible during the reconstruction. Pretty sure I'm going to know the answer but the white building down on Smithford Street - the old Co-op building and the one even further down - was that the original City Arms? Did they both just get bulldozed to build the Lower Precinct? Also you can still see traffic - where do the road go to once it turned right at M&S?

[ TonyS: The collection of photographs is allhails, and their profile page can be found here ]

Hi. I am fairly sure that is part of what is now left over at the back of the current shops at the back of the Co-op. I remember vans going along there delivering to the Rex market. This might help & look at the aerial view as now, on high mag. This is fun!

Hi Philip I meant the one directly to the left of the white (Co-op?) building. With the multi chimneys and the awning over the pavement directly in front of St Johns in the photo. Wish I had a time machine

What a fabulous selection of old Coventry photo's. I've seen some before, but just keep clicking (forwards & backwards from this photo) and the gallery seems never ending!

Brilliant aren't they Tony. Again apologies if someone here owns them etc. but they are too good not to be seen.

Yes. Yes. Market Way was originally "Market Street" and Smithford Way was to have been "Market Street (North)" with both open to through-traffic but the whole idea was abandoned as construction neared completion.

Hi. Does this help from my 1905 map?

This segment of map dated 1956-61 shows the south side of the Lower Precinct completed before work on the north side has even begun!

I realised a few years back that a lot of the old city survived the blitz and many streets that are now desolate and empty were busy routes where people lived & worked and a lot of old streets were just destroyed (even the local newspaper reported that it was like the Blitz again). I know a lot people don't like post war architecture, but I find the problem with Coventry is more down to the destruction of the city's urban grid. There's an interesting paper on the web somewhere that details how this destruction may well be why the city centre is in decline.