This Coventry entertainment venue is getting a huge £750k makeover

An arts and entertainment venue in Coventry is about to get a major £750,000 makeover.

The Box, at FarGo Village on Far Gosford Street, was originally a carpet warehouse before it was transformed into the events venue and office space.

Now big plans are afoot to give it a boost ahead of the city taking the title of UK City of Culture in 2021.

As well as hosting a bar and cafe, the Box will be getting new theatre lighting, a new audio system and a new stage which can be taken down to make more space.

It will mean it can host more performances than ever before.

It is hoped the transformation should be complete by September, but the venue will continue to host events in the meantime.

Look: Gallery of images as The Box was first under construction:

Sneak preview of the construction of the new Box theatre at Fargo Village

View gallery

The changes will also include new changing rooms for artists, and the current office facilities are also getting an upgrade with new meeting rooms provided.

That means an extra 25 jobs will also be created at the venue, which has a 500 standing capacity.

Expanding the arts

Brian Harrabin, a director at Complex Development Projects, said this was an exciting opportunity to make the most of the flexible space at The Box.

He said: “Ahead of Coventry being UK City of Culture in 2021, this is an ideal opportunity to significantly extend the range of programmes we hold in The Box.

“We required capital investment to equip The Box for wider uses to become a more flexible performing arts and events venue as well as improve the facility for our visitors.

"We feel that there will not be a similar venue in the area and therefore this should add to Coventry’s diverse offer."

Days out

Lasting legacy

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration at Coventry City Council and CWLEP board director, said: “FarGo is located on one of our finest and most loved medieval streets and over recent years the whole area has undergone a massive transformation.

"It’s alive with creative talent and the development of The Box will see even more people visiting and enjoying FarGo and the wider Far Gosford Street.

“The Box will also provide a great legacy for performers and creatives after we have enjoyed being City of Culture."

Funding

The project has received £193,00 funding from the Government’s Local Growth Fund through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Project (CWLEP).

The remaining amount came from Coventry City Council and Complex Development Projects which developed FarGo Village.

This scheme is part of the Completing the Culture Capital project, which put £2.4 million of investment from the Local Growth Fund into key venues and production spaces which are essential for the successful delivery of UK City of Culture in 2021.

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Minister for Local Growth Jake Berry MP said: “We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the Midlands Engine and rebalancing the economy so that it works for everyone and ensures a fairer Britain fit for the future.

“Our £193,000 Local Growth Fund investment will allow The Box to enhance the range of arts and events on offer, and improve the visitor experience for the local community and the tourists alike, which is particularly important as Coventry prepares to celebrate being UK City of Culture in 2021.”

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