Residents across Nuneaton have been following with interest the regeneration that is taking place in Abbey Street. With diggers on site and foundations being laid, construction work is gathering pace.
Now, as work is progressing the Conservatives have - after running a competition alongside Nuneaton Memories - named the new development in honour of Nuneaton's most famous son... Larry Grayson.
In his prime he was able to attract 23 million viewers and was the embodiment of leisure and entertainment. At home in Nuneaton, his love for his home town was always on show and residents still fondly recall him. Now, he will form part of Nuneaton's future and be at the heart of leisure and entertainment once more.
Grayson Place will be the home of a new hotel, cinema, entertainment centre, food hall, multi-storey car park, education facilities and new shops.
As Grayson Place takes shape, 400 jobs will be created during the construction and 1,500 jobs when completed.
Cllr Kris Wilson, Leader of the Council, launched the new name at an event at the Town Hall:
It’s an exciting time for Nuneaton as we finally unveil the new name for the redevelopment around Abbey Street, Grayson Place. We are pleased to share this milestone with the local community, who were consulted in the selection of an inspired new place name. Comedian and TV personality Larry Grayson was a proud Nuneaton local and a fantastic performer. It is fitting that, as Grayson Place becomes a new entertainment and leisure destination for Nuneaton, one of its most famous past entertainers will be remembered here.
More information about Grayson Place can be found here: Grayson Place