Ribbon Factory

Restoration and extension of grade 2 listed former ribbon factory to provide a restaurant and six loft apartments as part of the Stirling Prize short-listed Coventry Phoenix Initiative.

Immediately adjoining CDP’s Priory Place development is a grade 2 listed, former ribbon factory dating from the early Victorian period. As one of the last remaining original industrial buildings in the City Centre, a sympathetic restoration was required.

CDP removed some of the more unfortunate later additions, stabilised the four storey structure and opened out the ground floor. The building was extended to provide additional commercial space in a contrasting modern style, fronting on to one of the new public spaces created as part of the Phoenix Initiative.

Six loft style apartments ranging from 850sqft to 1,400sqft were created in the upper parts, each with views over Priory Cloister, Holy Trinity Church and Coventry Cathedral. A restaurant of 4,500sqft was created on the ground floor and basement and let to Nando’s.

Part of Coventry’s 11th century Cathedral was exposed during demolition works, requiring the construction of the new extension around this ancient monument to be adjusted to preserve the remains in-situ.