£44m cultural hub back on track after contractor collapse
GRAHAM has been appointed as the new contractor to repurpose the former Coventry IKEA building into a cultural hub.
The site will be transformed to provide a new home for nationally recognised collections, managed by Arts Council England, Arts Council Collection and the British Council and include a space for new research facilities.
The 280,000 sq ft building has seven floors as well as on-site parking.
Phase one will see part of the building being repurposed to become a Collections Centre of national significance where CV Life, Arts Council England, Arts Council Collection and the British Council will house their collections.
Coventry University transform floors five and six into a cultural hub in phase two, with a range of facilities on offer, including teaching areas, research space and attractions.
Phase three will allow the council to enclose and future-proof the internal car park floors.
Cllr Naeem Akhtar, cabinet member for housing and communities at Coventry City Council said: “Despite unforeseen and challenging circumstances, Coventry City Council has moved swiftly to secure a new contractor to get the project back on track and within the approved budget, meaning no additional money is needed for the construction.
“Not only are we bringing high-profile national partners to the city, there’s also the potential to bring so much more to Coventry. We’ll have the ability to create opportunities for people in this sector and for residents here in our city with what will be an impressive cultural destination.”
Ronan Hughes, GRAHAM regional director said: “We are proud to be appointed as the contractor to deliver this landmark cultural project for Coventry.
“The City Centre Cultural Gateway is an exciting scheme that will transform a former retail space into a world-class hub for arts and culture while providing long-term benefits for the local community, economy, and creative industries.
“We understand the importance of getting this project back on track and our priority is to deliver a new cultural destination that meets the needs of all partners and stakeholders.”
