A £2.4 million transformation of the only remaining part of the Daimler car factory into a creative hub for Coventry has been shortlisted for three top construction awards.
The Daimler Powerhouse Creation Centre has been shortlisted in the Community Benefit, Heritage, and Refurbishment/Revitalisation Project categories of the RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards 2022.
The site, on Sandy Lane Business Park, is owned by Warwickshire property, development and construction company The Wigley Group, which played a key role in the inception, design, and construction of the facility.
Through a partnership consisting of the arts sector, community groups, local authorities, the Arts Council and Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the building was transformed into a centre of creative excellence in time for Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture.
It is run by Godiva Awakes Trust and Imagineer Productions, and provides the first purpose-built art production facility in Coventry.
James Davies, Chief Executive Officer of The Wigley Group, said: “It is only a year ago this month that we handed over the keys to the Daimler Powerhouse, so we are thrilled to see it shortlisted for three awards as it comes up to its first anniversary.
“Thanks to joint work with a number of partners over a considerable amount of time, we achieved what was set out from the start, creating a cultural legacy on a site of historical importance – and one which would become a real flagbearer for the UK City of Culture.”
The creative hub has been widely praised by visitors including the Prince of Wales who visited shortly after it opened.
The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.
The shortlist for six categories was announced on Thursday, April 7, with finalists judged by a panel of experts before winners of the regional awards are announced in May.
Chair of the RICS Awards David Brooks Wilson FRICS said: “Despite much uncertainty and challenging conditions over the past couple of years, property professionals across the UK continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact on our cities and towns.
“I wish the teams behind them all the best of luck in gaining recognition for their skills and hard work.”
Caption:
James Davies, managing director of The Wigley Group (front left) with Mike Vining, planning consultant for The Wigley Group, Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, Roger Medwell, Chair of the Board for Godiva Awakes Trust of which Imagineer Productions are part of, Zamaurd Hussain, Board Director at the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and Robert Wigley, chairman of The Wigley Group, with aerialists Luka Owen and Daniel Connor.