Cultural Capital Investment Programme
Following Coventry's year as UK City of Culture, a cultural transformation has taken place across the city thanks to the Cultural Capital Investment Programme. The programme has seen renovations and refurbishments of a number of Coventry's cultural and heritage buildings. The following projects were made possible thanks to funding from Coventry & Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, Midlands Engine, West Midlands Combined Authority, Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Belgrade Theatre
Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre has seen a refurbishment of the main stage, auditorium, foyer, and the installation of PV cells on the theatre roof. A new ground floor café and a first-floor bar have been built, generating increased footfall outside of theatre show times. The former Jaguar Pub is undergoing a transformation to become a ground-breaking 5G digital space. The project also includes two new workshops and meeting rooms. These new spaces encourage theatre participation and activities - particularly those focused on young people.
Drapers' Hall
Since reopening in November 2021, the restored Drapers’ Hall is now the headquarters for Coventry Music and is now run by Historic Coventry Trust. Enabling both professional and educational music to occur in the same venue is a unique aspect of Drapers’ Hall and will give a central destination to nurture and grow musical talent. The building features numerous rooms, including the magnificent Ballroom, Tea Room and Reading Room, all of which are available for hire for events and are programmed regularly with performances.
The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum
The Herbert Art Gallery had a significant refurbishment in 2020, in preparation for Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture. Four galleries on the first floor were refurbished with new wall linings, flooring and lighting. The galleries now have a modern, white cube design, giving the museum the opportunity to stage a wider range of largescale, world-class exhibitions. Other areas within The Herbert have also been refurbished or improved, including the welcome area, café, retail area and new toilet facilities. New signage and a wayfinding system have been installed to further enhance the visitor experience. The Herbert was recently host to the Turner Prize, one of the best-known prizes for the visual arts in the world, and in February 2023, will see the arrival of the nation’s favourite dinosaur, Dippy the Diplodocus.
Coventry Cathedral
The recent improvements allow the Cathedral to host a more diverse range of events and experiences for visitors. The venue now has increased accessibility, modern visitor facilities and improved support for major events. It provides essential facilities to support the increase in visitors to the attraction, such as new retail units, touchscreen information boards, and new visitor toilets. Works to the Sir John Laing Centre now provides a dedicated educational space for pupils, allowing them to learn in a unique environment when visiting on educational trips.
St Mary’s Guildhall
St Mary’s Guildhall has reopened as a major visitor attraction after an extensive programme of restoration and refurbishment. Located in the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter, it is one of the only remaining medieval buildings in Coventry, surviving the bombing raids of the Second World War. It is home to the oldest medieval tapestry in the UK. Following its transformation, St Mary’s Guildhall now offers visitors a unique multi-layered experience with cutting edge interpretation and fun, hands-on activities, as well as the opportunity to explore the incredible Medieval Kitchen. The heritage visitor attraction and venue is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality Management in an exciting new partnership with Coventry City Council.
The City Gates and Priory Row Cottages
The conversion of the Lychgate Cottages and two City Gate Houses offers visitors to Coventry a unique and traditional overnight accommodation experience. Set close to Coventry’s historic cathedral ruins, visitors have the chance to stay in restored medieval heritage buildings whilst visiting the city. Swanswell Gate and Cook Street Gate are available, plus four cottages on Priory Row. The cottages will also be open for visitors on special open days throughout the year.