Contractor appointed to transform Coventry’s former Ikea into a cultural hub

Work to transform Coventry’s former Ikea into a cultural center and arts venue is set to begin after a contractor has been appointed.

Construction is scheduled to begin in August, and work is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025.

Councilor David Welsh, of Coventry City Council, said he was “delighted” that work would begin on a “truly impressive new cultural landmark in the city”.

“The start of the construction process is a milestone to be celebrated and there will be more to come as we see changes to the building that will soon become a cultural destination in our city,” he said.

“We look forward to sharing more in the coming months and, of course, even more excited to see the work finished next year.”

The existing 9m high storage area is also to be converted into a temperature controlled storage unit to house art collections.

The exterior of the building will also be transformed, with an “attractive new combination of cladding and spray-painted finishes” and the installation of panoramic windows, an ISG spokesman said.

Mechanical and electrical services will be upgraded, along with structural changes and a “full strip of 60,000 sq m accommodation”.

Louise Daville, director at ISG, added: “This is a bold and innovative vision to reimagine former retail space as a cultural hub for the city of Coventry.

“The Cultural Gateway brings together complementary but different partners in a key central location, providing a rich and diverse experience for visitors, students and academics.”

The former Ikea in Coventry closed in 2020 and its rental property was bought by the city council.