Coventry is on the verge of creating a top-quality flagship art and history gallery with the redevelopment of the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum.
We take a look at the plans and see what the city can except from the new building, which promises to attract tourists and delight art and heritage fans.
See the plans
| 听 |  | Architects' drawing
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Click on the images button below to launch two architects drawings of the proposed changes.
The artist鈥檚 impression and map give a very clear idea of how the redevelopment could drastically change the feel of the area.
Both are by Pringle, Richards and Sharratt architects.
Determined fundraising
The ambitious redevelopment relies on cash from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which the council is currently applying for.
The application is a long process, but so far the signs are good. The fund has already awarded the planners 拢86,000 to assist in preparing the details of the application.
| 听 |  | Architect's model
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In addition, the council has already secured European grant funding of 拢2.3M to add to the 拢4M it is giving to the redevelopment, so we have cause to be really excited about the project.
Talking about the progress of the fundraising, councillor Tony Skipper said: 鈥淭his is really positive news - each step taken towards a successful funding bid brings the reality of a top-quality heritage facility for Coventry ever closer.鈥
Big plans
| 听 |  | The current building work at the Herbert
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The redevelopment will create a landmark building facing Coventry Cathedral and the new Priory Street Square.
The new frontage would be more inviting to the city鈥檚 visitors, who would see the gallery and museum from the cathedral, and will make the building feel more connected to the city centre.
Work already started
| 听 |  | The university entrance that will compliment the new building
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Work is already well under way for the first part of the redevelopment, on the corner of Jordan Well and Bayley Lane. The most noticeable changes at the moment are the closure of the old caf茅 and a temporary entrance.
These are to make way for the new higher profile entrance on Bayley Lane and a fancy new caf茅 area. In addition the builders are already working on a new education space for schools and more training and meeting rooms.
For art lovers, one of the most exciting results of the changes will be the brand new gallery space and the multi-media (audio, video and ICT) and arts information spaces.
It鈥檚 planned that the new gallery spaces will stage high profile touring exhibitions as well as displaying the work of local artists and community groups.
Archive access
The new building will bring together archives, local history and IT resources to promote and make accessible the heritage of the city. This new one-stop facility will be called the Coventry History Centre.
It will also include new history galleries which will tell the story of the city and its people in ways that will appeal to both locals and tourists.
Anne Jenkins, Heritage Lottery Fund regional manager for the West Midlands, said: 鈥淭his is a major step forward for Coventry.
"There鈥檚 still a lot of work to be done, but if the plans for a new History Centre and galleries continue in the right direction, the city will be able to enjoy a flagship facility. This will provide a real boost to Coventry鈥檚 regeneration.鈥
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