Re-use for “Greek Revival” Draper’s Hall

Draper’s Hall in Coventry dates from the 1830s and is now part of the Coventry City centre regeneration project known as the Phoenix Initiative.
The building had been vacant for some time when Acanthus Clews were asked to prepare a conservation plan and to consider options for re-use.
The project involves the practice working with CV One, a Coventry City Council agency who have Lottery Funding for the work.
Drapers Hall was built around a magnificent ballroom with a dining room, billiard room, reading room and bar. Many original features remain - the musicians' gallery, the fireplaces with mirrors over, the pilasters on the wall, the tall hooded doors and the fine coved ceiling with decorative moulded plasterwork in a Grecian idiom.
The guiding principle of re-use is to provide a facility for the community. Likely
uses are for art exhibitions, for wedding receptions and as a conference facility. The Tourist Information Centre is to be relocated within the building, while the remainder of the building is to be converted to offices.
By drawing on the specialist skills of other consultants, a disability audit is being undertaken, as well as an audience development plan, which involves collecting the views of the public, community groups and other interested parties. This will ensure that the completed project will meet the needs of the whole Coventry community, in addition to restoring Drapers’ Hall to its former glory.

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