Former Coventry pub site transformed into 5G digital space

A digital performance, education and rehearsal venue will replace a former city pub site in Coventry.

The project has been awarded £5m of funding from Coventry City Council’s Cultural Capital Investment Programme, after a bid by the Belgrade Theatre Capital Project.

Transforming the former Jaguar Pub site will complete the third phase of works on the Belgrade Theatre, which has already seen a full refurbishment of the main auditorium and an improved café.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: ‘This is a really exciting project to complement the work that has already been completed on Corporation street. This will be a great new space, particularly for young people as it is created for outreach and it will be theirs to use.

‘It will mean that we will be able to enjoy some truly cutting-edge performances using the very latest tech available, once more putting the city at the forefront of emerging technologies and using them in really interesting ways. Not only will we see the addition of a new creative space and café bar, but we’re also keen to see how we can add some new homes into the area and maintain a permanent pocket park next door.’

The development is being delivered through a partnership between Belgrade Theatre and Complex Development Projects (CDP), with work due to be completed later this month.

Vera Ding, general manager at the Belgrade Theatre, said: ‘The whole team at the Belgrade are thrilled by this exciting development. ‘The Jag’ will be a ground-breaking space for Coventry and a much-needed safe space for at-risk youth to benefit from emerging technologies.

‘It will integrate digital and physical interaction, providing young people with opportunities to meet and learn whilst forming a pipeline into employment opportunities. This fully flexible ‘plug and play’ space is an exciting new performance, education and rehearsal facility that will improve the future sustainability of the Belgrade.’

In related news, after signing a development agreement with Bradford Council earlier in the year, Muse Developments have submitted a planning application to bring forward the development of One City Park.

Photo supplied by Coventry City Council