County Hall & Coventry Gaol

What is your opinion of the proposals for the County Hall to be used as a restaurant and bar? For myself I believe it would give a welcome boost to the centre of Coventry. When cathedrals were built initially they were the centre of the town's, with thriving markets around them. Lincoln I think is a good example of old buildings used for what they were first intended. I don't mean rows upon rows of bars and eateries. but small traders, with a realistic rents. But I don't think the proposal should be dismissed out of hand.

Far better to be put to some use rather than stand empty or become derelict or vandalised. I have memories of collecting my grandfather's "Freeman's Pension" every other Saturday from County Hall

Which one? Just a shame we don't make anything here anymore, to sell and exhibit Coventry wares for tourism, like our ribbons etc, from places like this. How many bars are in the town already? I suppose they will do what they will whatever. I prefer the word restaurant than bar

That article is now 12 years old - I think if there was any weight in these claims we might have heard more about it by now?

I wholeheartedly agree with erwegoagen and Midland Red's opinion. Given the correct tenure I think it would provide a really worthwhile facility.

H'mm, seems to me that whether a bar or restaurant complex is planned, it's hardly an ideal position for it! Something much more in keeping with the building's status and origin would be a specialist exhibition venue, supplementing the Herbert Art Gallery/Museum with the ability to put on high quality detailed displays about the city's past, or for example, something of the ilk of the Tutankhamun travelling exhibition that was put on last year. Often such things go to cities like Newcastle or Liverpool, yet don't seem to go anywhere near the Midlands. It would also help attract some tourists, could bring in some money, and raise the perceived 'quality' of the city's historical significance (can't think of a better way to say what I mean). Just a quiet musing.

An extremely commendable idea Keith, but I see funding for such a project being a potential issue - I think The Herbert would be the first to admit they find it difficult as it is, without another vying for funds from the same purse. I accept that visitor numbers at The Herbert have increased in more recent times, I think they had in excess of 300,000 in the last twelve months, but I would imagine it gets increasingly difficult to sustain. Maybe if it were actually taken over by The Herbert, and they used it as some sort of "annex" - as you say; for specialist displays, that might work. Failing that, Coventry University could always fit it out for student accommodation!

OMG you're sounding like a council accountant!!!! Just seems to me though that whenever - and regardless of where - a building is empty and looking for a use, the first thing that surfaces is a bar or restaurant! Every town and city centre these days is getting overwhelmed with bars and cafes and restaurants, and most are very unlikely to survive for any length of time for two reasons: (a) councils usually demand ridiculously high rates and rents, and (b) excessive competition. Another phenomenon is proliferation of hairdressers, and it's just the same for them. Far too many, so a lot fall by the wayside, then, surprise, surprise, either the premises stand empty, or else - if they're lucky - get used for yet more charity shops. No wonder our town and city centres are shrivelling up! The other proliferation is supermarkets. In our local town we had two. Now with plans afoot, in a town of about 12,000 people we look likely to have at least three more major supermarkets, one not only obliterating the town's football field but also wanting to demolish historic buildings to create access and parking; and they'll get their way, they always do. Our town centre has been dying for years thanks to changes to the town centre that everyone opposed, and now it's set to become a wasteland of just cafes and charity shops and not much else. No doubt claimed to be "progress". It's an issue that touches a very raw nerve with me!

Don't start me off on large supermarkets!

Could be worse - could be a "pound shop" !

Good idea!

... or would that be "Ye Olde Pound Shoppe"

OK. Now that proposal is agreed. How about livening up the rest of the area!!?? I walk through the area regularly and am struck by the deserted feel of the place. Coventry is dominated by the shopping precinct. If I am honest, and why not, the area is not very attractive so let's get a bit of colour into our city.

I'm not sure I agree with a 4.00am licence being granted on the odd chance the proprietor might want to stay open "once in a while" so that it saves them "applying for temporary late licences"! They should have whatever all other establishments are granted and then apply for exceptions as and when the need arises.

Just back from taking a few photo's in town. Managed to get this one of INSIDE the old County Hall building - looks like "work still in progress". The main entrance is behind and to the left of the camera's position. And as I don't believe Midland Red has a pic of the plaque outside, here's that as well.