ISG has been appointed to transform a disused IKEA into a cultural hub in Coventry city centre.
Construction on the The City Centre Cultural Gateway, valued at £150 million, is due to begin this summer, transforming the former IKEA building into a large-scale cultural landmark.
As principal contractors, ISG will begin mobilisation this month with construction due to start in August 2025.
Coventry City Council approved the acquisition of the 26,000 sqm space in 2021, following IKEA’s announcement of its closure in 2020.
Along with external construction, ISG plans to introduce a combination of cladding and spray-painted finishes and install panoramic windows across the top two floors.
The scheme will also involve major internal reconfiguration including structural alterations, mechanical and electrical services upgrade, and a full strip out of the 60,000 sqm accommodation.
The project is under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) construction works framework.
Councillor David Welsh, cabinet member for housing and communities at Coventry City Council, said: “I’m delighted that we have appointed a contractor and that work is now starting on what will be a really impressive new cultural landmark in the city.
“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 of public sector strategy at ISG, said: “This is a bold and innovative vision to reimagine former retail space as a cultural hub for the City of Coventry.
“As we pass this key milestone, we have a highly motivated team focused on delivering an outstanding cultural destination for Coventry.”
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