More than 5.4 million people have visited Coventry City Centre in the first three months of 2025 with footfall up significantly compared to last year.

Data has shown that footfall is up 11.7 per cent for January to March, compared to the same period in 2024, reflecting a growing confidence in the city centre.

This has been supported by a strong March which saw a 24.7 per cent increase on last year.

While footfall is still lower than pre-pandemic levels, monthly figures are up year-on-year and signs are positive for the future.

The headline figures are included in the latest Coventry City Metric report and have been welcomed by Coventry Business Improvement District (BID).

Joanne Glover, Chief Executive at Coventry BID, said: “It’s fabulous to see that footfall figures are trending in the right direction and we are working tirelessly with our partners to do everything we can to keep moving positively forward.

“In city centre’s all over the country there has been a major drop in footfall since the pandemic and we know there is a lot of hard work ahead to encourage more people back into the city centre.

“The best way we can do that is by providing brilliant experiences but also making sure people feel safe, whether that is on a shopping trip or enjoying a night out.”

Coventry BID has been operating in the city centre for 20 years and was voted in by levy paying businesses for its fifth five-year term in 2023. The BID works with its levy payers to make the city centre a vibrant and safe place to live, visit and work.

The BID listens to the needs of businesses and invests in initiatives supporting priorities including security, promotion and business support.

This included organising the city’s inaugural Restaurant Week in March, which saw restaurants and food spots provide special offers to guests.

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change at Coventry City Council, said, “It’s good news to see the number of people visiting the city centre is up compared to last year.  But its also worth remembering that to compare pre Covid data with post Covid data is like comparing apples to oranges. 

“The way people use and enjoy city centres has changed – and that’s exactly why City Centre South, being delivered by The Hill Group, is so important.  Online retail sales now account for 30 per cent of market share compared to 21.6 per cent in 2019  – so this private sector investment to create a new residential community will help to future proof the city centre – which is good news for all.”

It has also continued its investment to support safe experiences throughout the city, for visitors to the day and night-time economy.

This has included supporting the delivery of the Best Bar None initiative, handing out of shopper safety items, crime prevention days and daily street patrols.

Venues in the city centre have also been achieving regional and national acclaim, with St Mary’s Guildhall named as a finalist for Visit England’s Awards for Excellence.

The positive start to 2025 follows on from a strong festive period for businesses in the city centre, with visitor numbers on the up.

There have been a range of new openings to attract more people into the city, including Star Pins, Flip Out and Putt Putt Social.

Beci Slater, Store Manager at New Look Coventry in Lower Precinct, said:” We have had a positive uplift on sales for this first quarter of the year, achieving more than 6 per cent above target.

“We have particularly seen footfall increase at weekends, which in turn has seen growth in sales. The three new leisure facilities in the city have definitely brought more people into the city and increased dwell time, while the increase in social media marketing and event must be bringing in more people too.

“As a store we have exciting things happening too, with the recent introduction of men’s range back to our stores and three new brands coming soon. I’m feeling very optimistic for the rest of 2025 and beyond.”