The Coventry Telegraph has reported that a start date has been revealed for the transformation of Coventry’s former IKEA store. The plan is to turn the building into a ‘cultural hub’.
ISG, an international construction specialist, is due to start construction in August. The works are scheduled for completion in autumn 2025.
Speaking about the ‘milestone’ works, councillor David Welsh, cabinet member for housing and communities at Coventry City Council, said: “I’m delighted we have appointed a contractor and that work is now starting on what will be a really impressive new cultural landmark in the city. One that will be enjoyed by local people, visitors and of course the creative sector.
“The start of the construction process is a milestone to be celebrated and there will be even more to come as we see changes to the building that will soon become a cultural destination in our city. We’re really looking forward to sharing more in the coming months and of course even more excited to see the work finished next year.”
The external appearance of the building will be given a make-over with cladding and spray-painted finishes. New panoramic windows will be added across the top two floors.
Inside the building, there will be a ‘major internal reconfiguration’ including structural alterations throughout, mechanical and electrical services upgrade, and a full strip out of the 60,000 sqm accommodation. The former IKEA elevated travellators, lifts and associated distribution systems will be removed.
The existing nine-metre-high warehouse area is set to be transformed into a ‘highly specialised’ temperature-controlled art storage facility. There will be a new state-of-the-art oversized heavy load lift – nearly three times the size of a standard lift – installed to help transport large art installations up to the third floor.
The overall project is thought to cost £55 million, the BBC reported in March, although costs are believed to have risen since then.
The council claims that the scheme will eventually pay for itself and bring in £185 million to the region over a decade. There are plans to rent out two floors more quickly than planned and open 250 car parking spaces