A FORMER city centre bar is to be turned into a pop-up exhibition gallery during Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture.
Drapers Bar and Kitchen, formerly Brown’s, next to the Council House on Earl Street has been gifted to the Historic Coventry Trust by its owners, the Alan Edward Higgs Charity as part of a city regeneration project.
Coun Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: “Historic Coventry Trust is doing a fantastic job, bringing much-loved buildings back to life and securing them for future generations to enjoy. I look forward to seeing Drapers Bar and Kitchen open again – it will make a great temporary exhibition venue.”
The charity bought the bar in 2013 as part of a two-stage plan to restore the neighbouring Grade II * Listed Drapers’ Hall. Now under the Trust’s ownership it will be used as a temporary exhibition space in 2021, then become part of the wider regeneration project of the Cathedral Quarter.
Ian Harrabin MBE, chairman of Historic Coventry Trust, said: “The formal transfer of the long lease of Drapers Bar from the Higgs Charity to Historic Coventry Trust has now been completed and we are grateful for this generous gift.
“Having this building under the control of the Trust means we can now press on with confidence on plans for the wider regeneration of this important part of the historic core of the medieval city. This is a key site with a lot of potential to add to the city’s visitor economy.”
Nearby Drapers’ Hall is being fully renovated by Historic Coventry Trust as part of a £4.5 million restoration project. Due to be completed in March 2021, it will open as a new multi-purpose venue in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter. The Georgian gem will become the base for Coventry Music Service, who offer music education for Coventry’s schoolchildren, as well as provide performance rooms for a wide variety of arts and community events.
Historic Coventry Trust formally took ownership of Drapers’ Hall from Coventry City Council last year. The Trust is expanding on its previous owner’s vision to transform Drapers’ Hall and Drapers Bar into a music and hospitality hub to become a major part of the city’s cultural scene.
Marilyn Knatchbull-Hugessen, chair of the Higgs Charity, said: “The charity works to benefit the people of Coventry. The Drapers’ Hall and Bayley Lane project will re-energise this part of the city entre, providing great facilities for the local community and enhancing Coventry’s status as a major visitor destination. This will be a significant element in the legacy from the UK City of Culture 2021.”
