Redford Developments Submits Residential Plans for Former E.ON HQ in Coventry

Redford Developments has acquired E.ON’s former 3.8ha (9.3-acre) UK headquarters in Westwood Business Park, Coventry.

The Warwickshire-based firm has submitted an outline planning application to Coventry City Council for the demolition of the former headquarters, to provide up to 100 houses, together with highways works, and public open space, including a children’s play area.

Westwood Business Park is a 74 acre-commercial estate. E.ON, one of the UK’s leading energy providers, had occupied the site since 1994, but relocated to new offices at Friargate in Coventry city centre last year.

Richard Mees, Chief Executive of Redford Developments, said: “This expansive, landmark office building is no longer required, with E.ON having moved into a brand new building within Coventry city centre. This frees up a brownfield site located within a popular residential neighbourhood.

“The vacant Westwood Business Park site has the potential to help meet the demand from local families for energy-efficient new homes. We look forward to working with Council officers, councillors and stakeholders while this outline planning application is being determined.”

Redford Developments appointed Stantec architects to draw up the outline plans, with Marrons acting as the planning consultant. A public consultation exercise for local residents took place in April.

As part of the proposed plans, the majority of established trees and hedgerows along the site boundary are to be retained. Ecological enhancements to increase the biodiversity of the site are also outlined.

This project is one of 10 brownfield sites being promoted, progressed, or developed by Redford Developments. Coventry City Council has recently granted outline planning approval for the firm’s plans to redevelop a nearby 1.8Ha brownfield site next to the University of Warwick, into a low-rise 400-bed purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme.

The underutilised site of F H Roofing Ltd occupies land to the south of Westwood Heath Road, only a few minutes’ walk from the former E.ON headquarters.

The PBSA land is immediately adjacent to the University of Warwick’s forthcoming 32,000 sq m Social Sciences Quarter, which received planning approval in August 2024.

Redford Developments is backed by significant private investment, enabling sites to be purchased unconditionally or subject to planning.

The company is also in the market to acquire commercial assets that are non-income producing, requiring refurbishment, or redevelopment.