New lease secures future of community arts space

A volunteer-led community arts charity has secured its place in a city centre venue after agreeing a new lease with the local council.

The contract will see LTB Showrooms remain at the Priory Visitor Centre and Undercrofts in Priory Row, Coventry, until summer 2028.

Head trustee of the charity, Alan Denyer, said: "We've an opportunity now to develop our charity, improve facilities, programme exciting new events - and of course, welcome even more people into these wonderfully unique Coventry spaces."

The site was built over the remains of Coventry's first cathedral, which was consecrated in 1043.

The charity had moved into the building in 2025 after vacating the former Litten Tree pub which is being demolished to make way for the City Centre South development.

The centre, which was designed to showcase the remains of the city's original 12th Century cathedral and priory, had previously been closed to the public.

"We loved that the Priory Visitor Centre had been brought back into use – there are so many exciting possibilities for this interesting building," said the trustee.

The LTB was recently accepted by the Music Venue Trust as an accredited Grassroots Music Venue, which could result in some funding.

"We're brand new to the scheme, but it's something I'm really excited about," said Denyer.

"Even small amounts of money can make big things happen," he added.

As well as music the charity continues to offer a space for exhibitions, DJs and film screenings as well as comedy and theatre.

"Anything that has a public facing element," he added, "showcasing and providing opportunities for local creatives, in a cool, supportive environment."

On Saturday it is hosting a Bowie-themed festival including including three authors, as well as music and art.

The volunteer team would be working with the council and their culture team to agree a loose framework for programming going forwards, he explained.

"I know the council are thrilled with what they've seen already from what we're doing, because we're very prolific," he said.

"It's not just for a traditional arts and cultural audience," he added, "I'm trying to make this something that anybody, whatever their background, can access."

"I just want to see interesting things going on on our doorstep."

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