Coventry City Council has secured planning approval to turn the former Ikea store in the city centre into an arts venue.
The council bought the leasehold to the store after it closed in 2020.
Now known as the City Centre Cultural Gateway, part of the seven-floor property will be repurposed to house collections owned by organisations such as CV Life, Arts Council England and the British Council.
The fifth and sixth floors will offer facilities including teaching areas, research space and attractions.
The project will be delivered in three phases. Works will start at the end of this year, with the site expected to open in 2025.
David Welsh, cabinet member for housing and communities at Coventry City Council, said the project would “provide a dynamic and inclusive cultural hub” for the city.
Welsh added: “Not only will it elevate Coventry’s cultural landscape, but it will also reinforce our city’s position as a vibrant cultural destination.”
Architecture firm Buttress drew up the proposals on behalf of the council.
Matthew Burl, director at Buttress, said: “This is such good news – a landmark project creating a new cultural focus in Coventry.
“We have worked extensively with all stakeholders to redesign the building to be more inviting and accessible, creating a new identity, easily recognisable as a cultural asset, whilst enhancing its walk-up appeal with active features and frontages.”
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