Graham has been appointed to revamp a former Ikea into a £150m cultural hub in Coventry that was in ISG’s live portfolio when it collapsed last September.
The City Centre Cultural Gateway is designed to become “a landmark destination” in the city.
ISG began working on the scheme in July 2024, but it entered administration two months afterwards.
According to a freedom of information request sent to Coventry City Council, ISG had been the only bidder for the original project, scoring 86.46% for its total evaluation criteria.
The ISG contract, which was due to be completed this autumn, included revamping the external facade with a new combination of cladding and spray-painted finishes, and installing panoramic windows across the top two floors.
It also included a major internal reconfiguration for structural alterations throughout, mechanical and electrical services upgrade, “a full strip out of the 60,000 sq m accommodation”, and the removal of elevated travellators, lifts and associated distribution systems.
Stakeholders welcome appointment
Graham said the appointment was welcomed by the project stakeholders, including Arts Council England, the British Council, CV Life and Coventry University, which will occupy two floors of the building.
Ronan Hughes, Graham’s regional director, said: “The City Centre Cultural Gateway is an exciting scheme that will transform a former retail space into a world-class hub for arts and culture while providing long-term benefits for the local community, economy, and creative industries.
“We understand the importance of getting this project back on track and our priority is to deliver a new cultural destination that meets the needs of all partners and stakeholders.”
Councillor Naeem Akhtar said: “Despite unforeseen and challenging circumstances, Coventry City Council has moved swiftly to secure a new contractor to get the project back on track and within the approved budget, meaning no additional money is needed for the construction.”
Work is due to start in the spring, with completion expected by summer 2026.
