News

Old Grammar School receives Civic Voice Blue Plaque and becomes recognised heritage building

08 November 2016

The Civic Voice Design Awards are a unique, national celebration of good design and restoration projects nominated by local community organisations. To be successful, projects have to make a significant contribution to the quality of life of their cities, towns and villages.

For many years, the Old Grammar School was a derelict, crumbling eyesore at the very heart of Coventry’s City Centre. The Coventry Society identified it as one of the five most important building at risk in the city and it was included on both the City Council’s and English Heritage’s list of Buildings at Risk. The restoration of the building took place as part of the £9.5 million Coventry Transport Museum Redevelopment project with design strategy for the restoration focused on bringing the historical structure back to life with minimal impact on the historic fabric.

Nominated for its restoration by the Coventry Society, The Old Grammar School is now a recognised Heritage Building, receiving one of only 12 Civic Voice Blue Plaques that are awarded yearly.

On Thursday 3 November, the Blue Plaque was unveiled by the new Chair of Civic Voice – Joan Humble MP, along with the Lord Mayor of Coventry – Cllr. Lindsley Harvard and Mr. Jason Slack – Head Master of King Henry VIII School.

They were joined by: Cllr. Tony Skipper – Dep. Lord Mayor, Michael Balenski – Contract Manager for the ERDF – European Regeneration Development Fund, Mark Fowley ERDF – Head of Midlands Growth Delivery and Georgina Bailey of The Pilgrim Trust who funded part of the restoration. Other guests included Trustees of Culture Coventry and members of the Coventry Historical Society.

Gary Hall, Chief Executive of Culture Coventry said, “We are thrilled that the Old Grammar School has been recognised for its magnificent restoration. It is our hope that the building will go on to be an integral part of the fabric of the city and are proud to have it as one of our venues. Thank you to everyone who played a part in returning this building to its former glory and marking a new chapter in the history of the site.”

Photos: Mark Radford

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