ST. MARY'S HALL, COVENTRY
St Mary’s Hall, more commonly known as the Guildhall, is in the centre of Coventry, directly adjacent to the south wall of St. Michael’s church (now the ruined Cathedral). St Mary’s is a grade I listed building of great historical significance, showing the importance of the city during the medieval period. The Guildhall houses a medieval kitchen which is one of only five secular kitchens of the period surviving. The building was built between 1340-42, and was enlarged in 1460. It is believed to stand partly on the foundations of and incorporate stones from the 12th century castle of the Earls of Chester. The exterior is a mixture of buff and red Warwickshire sandstones.
Oliver Architecture were the Architects for the capital works that was led by the IDP Group. The works undertaken were to repair and breathe life into a forgotten asset of the city. This pivoted around the conservation of the medieval kitchen, which was still in working use, albeit with a 1960’s working kitchen installed. The 1960’s kitchen was stripped back along with a mezzanine floor to expose the historic fabric and the grandeur of the space. A new extension was added to house the new working kitchen. The following was also undertaken; external fabric repairs, improvement of the heritage offers with conservation of the historic tapestry within the great hall and wall paintings, new interventions to improve access and general refurbishment of conference rooms within the complex. The contract value was approx. £2.5m and was completed in April 2022.
Oliver Architecture were the Architects for the capital works that was led by the IDP Group. The works undertaken were to repair and breathe life into a forgotten asset of the city. This pivoted around the conservation of the medieval kitchen, which was still in working use, albeit with a 1960’s working kitchen installed. The 1960’s kitchen was stripped back along with a mezzanine floor to expose the historic fabric and the grandeur of the space. A new extension was added to house the new working kitchen. The following was also undertaken; external fabric repairs, improvement of the heritage offers with conservation of the historic tapestry within the great hall and wall paintings, new interventions to improve access and general refurbishment of conference rooms within the complex. The contract value was approx. £2.5m and was completed in April 2022.