3.6.3 City of Culture and Beyond

UNDERSTANDING THE PLACE TODAY

3.6.3 CITY OF CULTURE AND BEYOND UK City of Culture is a competition run by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport every four years. Previous winners are Derry/Londonderry in 2013 and Hull in 2017. The winning city can expect a major boost in tourism and investment as they host a spectacular year of events as well as a build-up period and legacy programme. Coventry is UK City of Culture in 2021.46

‘The Cathedral will be at the centre of our city’s preparations and celebrations and we know that we have a big task on our hands to meet and exceed expectations for a world class programme that draws on our own rich arts heritage, and offers something memorable back to the world for a new generation, just as we did in the year of our consecration in 1962. This is a new beginning for Coventry, for her Cathedral, for our international role in peace and reconciliation, for our future.’47

Coventry’s UK City of Culture 2021 status presents an exciting opportunity for Coventry Cathedral. A proposed annexe to the new cathedral provides essential facilities to support the projected increase in visitors, especially those attending special events. The extension will connect directly into the Cathedral at Lady Chapel/nave floor level, but otherwise minimise any disturbance of the Cathedral’s fabric. It will be situated above the existing refectory and song school, and incorporate the upper floor of the Verger’s Lodge. Proposed facilities will include a passenger lift, new WC facilities, an education room/events space with associated cloakroom and essential storage and facilities to support events. A permanent ramp will replace the temporary installation at the east end of the north nave aisle. The annexe is part of a larger future development proposal for the north-west corner of the Cathedral Precinct.48

The impact and legacy of Coventry’s tenure as UK City of Culture is impossible to know for sure. However, Coventry Cathedral should enjoy a prominent role in delivering a highquality programme of events throughout 2021. The associated opportunities to reach new audiences and spread the Cathedral’s message of hope and reconciliation should not be underestimated.

46 https://coventry2021.co.uk/why-coventry/ 47 http://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/wpsite/blog/2017/12/09/coventry-to-be2021-city-of-culture/?doing_wp_cron=1555411301.8667380809783935546875 48 A&RMÉ, Design and Access Statement to Accompany Submission for Planning Approval, January 2019 (Document reference: 201515-08-901): http://planning. coventry.gov.uk/portal/servlets/AttachmentShowServlet?ImageName=1452207