Work commences to convert former IKEA into an arts venue

The transformation of a former IKEA in Coventry city centre into a “new cultural landmark” will start this August after construction firm ISG was named as the project’s developer.

The leasehold of the superstore, which closed in 2000, was bought by the council, which announced plans to remodel it into a cultural hub and arts venue in 2021. Construction is due to be completed by autumn 2025.

The project – The Cultural Gateway – will create artists’ studios, post-production filming facilities, galleries and a cafe, while the site’s former warehouse will become a temperature-controlled storage facility for artwork collections.

Councillor David Welsh said: "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."

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, yet distinct, partners within a key central location, providing a richly diverse experience for visitors, students and academics."