Planning permission has been granted to undergo a remarkable transformation of the city’s former IKEA building into a vibrant cultural hub. The planning application approval applies to the ground, first and second floors.
Now known as the City Centre Cultural Gateway (CCCG), the building will be repurposed to
provide a new home for nationally recognised collections and include a space for new research facilities.
Public consultations took place prior to the planning application being submitted by Buttress on behalf of Coventry City Council. Residents of the city were able to attend the consultations to find out about the plans and provide feedback.
The Coventry City Council led project will be delivered in three phases, and existing partners include CV Life, Arts Council England, British Council, Arts Council Collection and Coventry University.
Phase Two will see Coventry University transform floors five and six into a cultural hub, 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. This will allow feasibility work to be undertaken to explore alternative uses for the new internal space created.
Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for the City Centre Cultural Gateway. It is a significant milestone.
“This visionary project will provide a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub for our city, and we are fortunate to be working with fantastic partners to make this happen.
“Not only will it elevate Coventry's cultural landscape, but it will also reinforce our city's position as a vibrant cultural destination.”
Matthew Burl, Director at Buttress, added: “This is such good news - a landmark project creating a new cultural focus in Coventry.
“We have worked extensively with all stakeholders to re-design the building to be more inviting and accessible, creating a new identity, easily recognisable as a cultural asset, whilst enhancing its walk-up appeal with active features and frontages.
“We had an excellent public consultation in February, and it was great to hear people’s views on the project, we’re now looking forward to delivering the scheme with work getting underway later this year.”
The works will start at the end of 2023 with the outlook to open in 2025.
Matthew Burl
Matthew is an architect and director at Buttress who has led the successful design and delivery of new build and refurbishment projects across a range of cultural, academic and community-led sectors, both regionally and internationally.
He also coordinates the practice's sustainability activities and has led Buttress' B Corp journey helping the company achieve certification at the end of 2022.
Gwenno Jones
Gwenno is an experienced associate with a great balance of technical ability, project running and client management.
Plans submitted for major new arts and culture facility in the heart of Coventry
The scheme will provide a new home for nationally recognised collections.