I had the opportunity to visit the new History Centre in Coventry today , it`s almost finished although the handover is delayed which will have a knock on affect to the planned July opening.
Sadly I wasn`t allowed to take pictures as they have plans for a large media campaign nearer to the opening.
The new extension will house the Local History section (from the Central Library) along with Coventry Archives (from the Canal Basin). This phase has also included a major refurbishment of the art gallery and museum area. Including a change of layout so that both buildings flow together easily.
The new entrance will be opposite the cathedral leading into a large full height space which really shows off the curved wood roof with breathtaking effect.A staircase leads down to the medieval cellar and archive storage in the basement on the right with another going up to the mezzanine level which has a large display area.
Also on this level are unisex toilets so men can now experience queuing! They`re really nicely done , each cubicle has a basin and hand drier.
Outside are several large(approx 8 ft h by 5ft w) flat metal panels listing the different trades in that area over the years, I hope to get some snaps of these in the next few days. Unbelievably I had forgotten my camera today (that almost never happens!!) but it`s probably best as the temptation would have been to great. Getting banned before it opens wouldn`t look too good.