AN AMBITIOUS scheme to create a world-class cultural hub in Coventry is back on track after a new contractor was appointed.
The City Centre Cultural Gateway (CCCG) will be completed by contractor Graham.
Construction on the pioneering project was paused in September when the previous contractor, ISG, entered administration.
The scheme, based in the old Ikea store, aims to become a landmark destination in Coventry by bringing together local, regional and national partners across the creative and cultural sectors.
The appointment of Graham has been welcomed by project partners Arts Council England, the British Council, CV Life and Coventry University, which will occupy two floors of the building.
Coun Naeem Akhtar, Coventry City Counci’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We’re delighted that Graham is on board to complete the construction of this significant project.
“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.”
Graham Regional Director Ronan Hughes said the company was proud to be appointed.
He added: “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.”
The council says it will work with major partners on the project, with each partner bringing ‘a unique approach and industry expertise’ to the city.
The Arts Council Collection is one of the largest and most important national collections of modern and contemporary British art in the world. The Collection includes more than 8,000 works of art and reaches more than one million people each year.
The British Council has chosen to relocate its national collection to Coventry. The holdings of the collection are British art of the 20th century onwards.
CV Life will be relocating and consolidating its items in storage into the CCCG. The move will allow efficient management of CV Life’s entire collection, making it easier to rotate and display items.
Coventry University will occupy floors five and six of the building, where it plans to house a variety of facilities relating to research, innovation and enterprise work.
A council spokesperson added: “As the project takes shape, it promises to not only enrich Coventry’s cultural landscape but also stimulate economic growth.
“High-level economic projections suggest the potential for significant job creation and economic value, bolstering Coventry’s position as a vibrant hub for arts, culture, and tourism.”
Graham will start work on the site in the spring, with construction expected to be completed by Summer 2026.
Visit www.coventry.gov.uk/culturalgateway for more information on the project.
