A new retail store, ticketing and information centre for Coventry City of Culture is set to open in Coventry city centre.
Coventry City of Culture Trust has taken a lease on 31-35 Hertford Street, which will open ahead of the UK City of Culture year that will run from May 2021 to May 2022.
It will offer a range of branded Coventry 2021 merchandise – from clothing and postcards to bespoke and artisanal items that you will not be able to find anywhere else – as well as offering a ticketing service and information on upcoming events. It will also showcase and sell original artworks created in Coventry and Warwickshire.
Fit out is now underway for the venue, which will also be home to a studio for media broadcasts, a meeting space for visiting delegates from across the UK and beyond, and a new coffee shop.
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “This new space will be a place for Coventrians and visitors to the city to come and find out everything they need to know about Coventry 2021 – as well as being the place to buy merchandise and tickets.
“With fewer than 100 days until we start our year as UK City of Culture, we are excited to open once lockdown restrictions are lifted so that we can welcome people into the store.”
Trish Willetts, Coventry BID Director, said it was a very welcome addition to the city centre.
Trish said: “It was fantastic to support the City of Culture 2021 team in their search for a unit in the city centre for this project. The new space is perfectly positioned in the heart of Coventry, whilst also being on the main thoroughfare from the station, making it easy for visitors to find. We are looking forward to seeing the team bring this unit to life and create the perfect hub for all things 2021!”
The retail space was marketed by regional commercial property specialists Holt Commercial.
Several of the Trust’s 2021 Club members; Amtico, Brett Martin Daylight Systems and KB Transport Solutions, also helped with the fit out of the shop by donating materials including flooring, pallets and sheeting.
