Park renaming to honour club's old stadium

Land on the site of Coventry City's former Highfield Road stadium is set to be renamed Highfield Road Park, in tribute to the club's historic home.

The Sky Blues played their final match at the stadium in 2005 after 106 years at the ground, with the stadium demolished the following year and redeveloped for housing.

Pete Witherow, of the Sky Blue Archive, said campaigners have spent the past two years working with the city council to secure the tribute in the centre of Signet Square.

A consultation was carried out with local residents and fans, he added.

The renaming forms part of a wider effort to preserve the memory of Highfield Road.

Plans are also in place for Coventry's first dementia bench, which organisers hope will be installed next year, Witherow said.

The bench will feature a plaque and QR code linking visitors to the Coventry Dementia Hub and encourage people to reminisce and share memories.

In addition, four vision boards are planned for the site, displaying photographs showing the former stadium alongside images of the housing development that replaced it.

The organiser said the inspiration came partly from Arsenal's redevelopment of its former Highbury stadium site.

"That was the blueprint I took to the council," Witherow said.

"I think Highfield Road Park should be a tourist attraction for fans who used to go to the ground."

The group has already overseen the restoration of a commemorative plaque and plinth at the site after it was vandalised.

Witherow, a lifelong Coventry City supporter and season ticket holder, said the project was personal.

"I've got some great memories there," he said.

"The first game I really remember was travelling up on my own when I was very young.

"I hadn't told my parents, I just said I was going to the local shop and they were pulling their hair out when I got back, but I was that passionate about going.

"I can't remember how old I was but it was two pence on the bus".

Witherow said several organisations and individuals have helped bring the project to fruition, including LFA Engineering, who built the new park sign.

The sign was handed over to the council, which will arrange for its installation.

"We're not sure of the exact date yet because it's down to the council when they can carry out the work," he said.

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