Grayson Place: Nuneaton's newest development pays tribute to late entertainer
The Abbey Street development includes a hotel, food hall, cinema, and education facilities.
Last updated 15th Feb 2023
The newest development in Abbey Street, located right at the heart of the busy Nuneaton Town Centre, will be named Grayson Place, in heartfelt homage to Larry Grayson.
Mr Grayson was a prominent comedian, entertainer, and national TV personality from the 1970s and 80s, who made his home in Nuneaton.
Mike Malyon, Larry’s great nephew, said: “I am so pleased that Larry is being recognised by his hometown. He loved living here and is still warmly remembered by so many people."
The new name, chosen in consultation with the local community, marks a key moment for this development. Grayson Place is the first landmark project in the Transforming Nuneaton programme undertaken by Warwickshire County Council and Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, with Abbey Street’s strategic development partner, Queensberry.
As part of the 2.3-hectare development, new leisure facilities, retail space, a food hall, and cinema will be created alongside 30 new homes, new office space, education facilities, a hotel, and carpark.
Phase one of the scheme will open early next year, with the launch of a new Hampton by Hilton branch - the first hotel ever to grace the town centre.
Located on the corner with the Jubilee Way, the new opening will offer 145 rooms as well as free parking for guests.
The next phase of the project, bringing new leisure and culture facilities, a public square and a new town centre campus for North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College will be complete in early 2025.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “The West Midlands Combined Authorities (WMCA) is investing more than £775,000 into the regeneration of Grayson Place, which is set to bring a fantastic new town centre for Nuneaton. Its development is a key project in the on-going revitalisation of the West Midlands, benefitting from inward investment, the generation of new jobs and ultimately an improvement in the quality of life of those who live in the town.
"Our high streets and town centres have been through some challenging times over the last few years, which is why the WMCA is backing Grayson Place and similar projects that can breathe new life into these important locations, helping them maintain their traditional role as the beating heart of local communities.