THE INTERIOR of an historic art deco former cinema at the heart of Coventry University’s city centre campus is to be given a facelift by office refurbishment experts.
The Ellen Terry building, which dates back to 1880 was named after Dame Ellen Terry, a star of the Victorian age and leading Shakespearian actress.
It is now the home of the university’s media and performing arts courses.
Refurbishment plans include the remodelling and upgrading of its theatre and performance changing rooms and teaching areas. Work is due to start this month and expected to take 10 weeks.
Dr Shaun Hides, academic dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, said: “This is another fine example of the university’s investment in our faculty’s infrastructure and our commitment to providing excellent learning spaces for our students to take advantage of.
“We’re delighted with the ambition and support the university is showing through this development, which is a key part in the major investment in our faculty’s future. Together, these projects will take our Arts and Humanities facilities to the next level, giving our students access to innovative spaces that will support distinctive and truly cutting-edge approaches to creative and collaborative learning.”
The building’s existing facilities include a music studio, computer suites, darkrooms and performance spaces for students studying photography, performing arts, media, film-making, popular music and more.
Overbury, which started repairing bomb-damaged buildings in 1942, will be working alongside architects at Robothams, project managers and quantity surveyors at Gardiner & Theobald and mechanical and engineering consultants at Stuart Turner to transform the interior.
Previous university projects in the city have included the large-scale refurbishments at the Sir William Lyons Building, the Whitefriars Building and the Richard Crossman Building.
Penny Mitchell, Overbury’s business development manager, said: “Over the last few years Overbury has built a strong and successful relationship with Coventry University.
“It’s inspiring to see Coventry University commit to investing in its buildings during a global pandemic, to ensure its students can access the best facilities possible in a safe and secure environment. Just like the rest of the world, the university is adapting and placing wellbeing and student experience at the heart of its spaces.”
