Coventry City Council has approved the capital expenditure for a new cultural hub and collections centre in the former IKEA building.
Per a statement, the former retail space’s transformation into an innovative hub of cultural activity will be “an exemplar of city centre regeneration“.
Following public consultations in February 2023, planning permission has been submitted for the multimillion-pound project, known as the City Centre Cultural Gateway (CCCG).
The first phase involves repurposing part of the building to become a collections centre where CV Life, Arts Council England, Arts Council Collection and the British Council will house their collections.
IKEA building to become innovative hub
In the second phase, Coventry University will transform two floors into a cultural hub with teaching areas, research space and attractions.
There will also be a gallery, café and library, exhibition space, a dance studio, studios for artists, filming facilities and a shop where students can sell their works.
Professor John Latham, Coventry University’s vice-chancellor, said the cultural hub will “bring great benefits to both students and the public by making cultural activities and experiences accessible to all”.
The third phase will involve work on the internal car park floors. Coventry City Council hopes to create space for other cultural partnerships and organisations.
Cultural activities and experiences
“It is exciting to be part of such a landmark cultural scheme which will shape the legacy for the city,” said Paul Breed, the CEO of CV Life.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to work with national partners in enhancing Coventry’s reputation as a genuine cultural hotspot.
“I’m also particularly excited about those areas that are yet to be finalised, where there is considerable scope to explore new opportunities for the city.”
Last month, the Natural History Museum’s Dippy the dinosaur arrived in Coventry. The 292-bone model is spending three years at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.
Images: Coventry City Council
