Plans to revamp medieval building take step forward
A MULTI-MILLION pound revamp of Coventry’s St Mary’s Guildhall - which could see a new rooftop bar terrace created at the historic venue - is set to progress in the coming weeks.
Plans for the Grade I listed building also include transforming the site into a ‘premier’ events and conferencing facility, revamping the restaurant, and expanding the medieval kitchen - one of only five which remain intact in the UK.
Applications are due to be submitted this month to assess what works can and can’t be done on the building.
The major revamp - which could cost between £5 and £7 million - is part of Coventry City Council’s plans to put the historic building on the city’s tourism map.
At the moment, it is currently making a financial loss for the authority each year.
During a tour of the site yesterday, Cllr Jim O’Boyle told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “One of the things we say is it is Coventry’s best kept secret, yet it should not be.
“It is one of the most ornate and nicest guildhalls in the country but we just do not get the visitors here.
“We have to actually make it a proper visitor attraction, which it isn’t at the moment.
“This has to be one of the best visitor attractions we have in this city. We owe it and I owe it as cabinet member responsible to get a return on this.
“The truth is it is costing the council money to keep it open so we need to be bringing money in so it pays its way and get people in.”
The application to assess works follows recommendations in a report from specialist heritage architect and consultants.
Works will protect the heritage of the historic building while “making the best of the features that we have got”, Cllr O’Boyle added.
Cllr O’Boyle hopes the project can help boost tourism to the site, showcasing an interior that includes a stunning 16th century tapestry.
Pending approval, work could start early next year to get the venue ready in time for the City of Culture 2021.
Funding for the project needs to be sought from grants or a council loan, but some money is already in place, with £1.51m recently handed over from Arts Council England.