St Mary’s Guildhall is officially getting a makeover

A £1.4m bid to help transform Coventry’s St Mary’s Guildhall into a significant visitor attraction has been given the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s go-ahead. This means the exciting plans to turn the building into a first-class heritage destination and facility for visitors and residents can now be realised.

There will be a new visitor entrance, improved facilities, along with specific tours and trails to enhance the visitor experience. A three-year programme of events and activities, including a learning and engagement programme for schools, families, and the wider community, will also enhance the Guildhall’s offer and attract a more diverse and new audience base for the venue.

The transformational project will help deliver an improved and interactive visitor experience, including interpretation and new digital technology, alongside an enhanced display designed to showcase the splendid Tapestry.

Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Heritage, said: “The development of the city’s heritage strategy places buildings such as the Guildhall as fundamental both in preserving what we have, and ensuring they are protected for generations to come as well as enhancing a more comprehensive, more joined-up approach to promoting the city’s heritage and tourism visitor offer.

“The development will play a significant role in aiding and promoting the real history of the building and its importance to local history – Coventry people should be aware of the Guildhall’s position at the heart of the city’s history for over 700 years.”

During the next few weeks, Croft Construction will be leading on the initial internal courtyard, and exterior scaffolding work ahead of phase one of the main construction improvement works, due to start in the next month or two.

In February 2020, Cabinet and Council approved up to £3 million capital support for St. Mary’s Guildhall. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work being carried out, the Guildhall will remain temporarily closed.

Current plans are to have a partial re-opening of the historic landmark in Spring, with a full opening scheduled for December 2021 to tie-in with Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture.

For further full details on the project and sign up for the free St Mary’s Guildhall newsletter, please visit www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk.