Firm will start conversion work in the Spring on former IKEA store
Graham has been named as replacement contractor to complete work on the stalled conversion of Coventry’s former city centre IKEA building into a cultural hub
Construction on the pioneering cultural project was paused last September when the previous contractor, ISG, entered administration.
The scheme, housed within what was an IKEA store, will become a landmark destination in Coventry bringing together multiple local, regional and national partners across the creative and cultural sectors.
The standalone building spans some 26,000m2 of prime city centre space on Croft Way across seven floors with significant on-site parking.
Graham will be starting work on the site from Spring 2025 with construction expected to be completed by Summer 2026.
Designed by architect Buttress, The City Centre Cultural Gateway will provide a new home for nationally recognised collections managed by Arts Council England, Arts Council Collection and the British Council.
Other floors will be occupied as a cultural hub for Coventry University housing a student gallery, café, library and dance studio, conference area, artists’ studios and post-production filming facilities.
Cllr Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, said: “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.”
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Ronan Hughes, Graham Regional Director, 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.”
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