New plans for the Coventry Sport Centre elephant building could see it transformed into a new community arts space.

Based on the success of the CET building pop-up in Corporation Street, and the fact that it is due to close in June, plans are underway to relocate to the Coventry Sport and Leisure Centre ‘elephant’ building. AWD Restorations are hoping a new similar venture called ‘The Cov Elephant’ could be just as successful.

The community enterprise scheme would see the Coventry Sports and Leisure Centre building on Fairfax Street turned into a new free to use and visit cultural hub for the city centre , showcasing art displays, heritage exhibitions and workshops.

The plans are subject to a purchase arrangement, but AWD says it is in a position to fund the project itself. The development would be split into three phases:

1. A pop-up style makeover and takeover of spaces for art displays, heritage exhibitions and workshops.

2. Including the potential for shared use e.g. term-time dance and theatre rehearsals for Coventry University.

3. Full transfer into private ownership and the conversion of the upper sports hall space into ‘New York style’ loft apartments.

The 10 new low carbon footprint loft units would be built around an ‘indoor garden-park’. The designers hope to be able to realise their vision in time for Coventry’s year as City of Culture in 2021.