The University of Warwick has today submitted plans for a new 48-hectare public 'eco park' on the south side of its campus.

The proposals could be incorporated in the new South Warwickshire Local Plan.

Warwickshire County Council has already indicated its support for the plans.

At 48.8 hectares, the eco park will be similar in size to Coventry's Memorial Park. It will be open to the public as well as students and university staff.

The eco-park is designed to support sustainable and active travel, and could be a boarding point for the proposed Very Light Rail service.

The park would be built alongside the proposed Coventry City Football Club stadium, and potential new station.

The university's vice-chancellor, Professor Stuart Croft has said that the park would benefit not just staff, but also local people for decades to come.

He said: "This is the biggest single development announcement the University of Warwick has made in decades. I am sure it will surprise many that it is for a huge 48+ hectare public eco park rather than a set of buildings."

"The last 15 months of lockdowns and isolation have brought home to us all the value of getting outside to walk, exercise, or just simply relax, somewhere green, free and accessible. Coventry and Warwickshire has several great such spaces but this last year has certainly increased almost everyone's desire for even more."

The university has said that the new park will be based on three core themes: 'Discovery', 'Ecology', and 'Energy'.

County council support

Warwickshire County Council has already indicated its support for the plans.

Portfolio holder for heritage, culture and the environment Cllr Heather Timms has welcomed the plans as a step forward against the climate emergency.

She said: "The benefits that this will bring to the area in terms of net biodiversity, carbon minimisation and encouraging us all to make a switch to safe and active travel solutions are very welcome.   

"There is already a lot of fantastic work going on across Warwickshire to help achieve our target of being net zero by 2030 and minimise the effects that we all have on our fast-changing climate and this planned eco-park is a shining example of the commitment of the county and everyone living and working in it to make a difference."

The county council declared a climate emergency in 2019.

Cllr Timms added: "On behalf of all of Warwickshire County Council, I would like to thank The University of Warwick for their foresight and commitment to playing their part in facing the challenges of the climate emergency by creating something important and beautiful that will be enjoyed by generations to come."