The architect practice that designed and delivered The Cube in Birmingham has been appointed by EDG Property to help transform one of Coventry’s best known buildings.

Make Architects has carried out a feasibility study on a range of options for the 140,000 sq ft building which was previously the home of the Co-op before it was  acquired by EDG Property.

The practice was founded by celebrated architect Ken Shuttleworth – who came up with the original concept for The Cube – and EDG Property director Neil Edginton said he was excited to be working again with Make on such an important project.

He said: “The Co-operative is a major scheme in the heart of Coventry that has the potential to make a really exciting contribution to the on-going transformation of this part of the city.

“Make’s track record in delivering innovative and pioneering projects like The Cube is second to none and it is fantastic to be working with them once again on what is a landmark scheme for EDG Property and the City of Coventry.”

Greg Willis, who is leading the project for Make and who also worked with Edginton on The Cube, said there were a number of options being explored but the original structure and the building’s history formed an important part of their considerations.

He said: “What is really interesting is that this building has a mass and an identity that we really want to keep and to build upon.

“From the outside we think it has a real style and a swagger so we are looking at how we can preserve that and create something really interesting.  It has so much potential for a mixture of uses and we are looking at how we can really draw on its heritage while also creating something that really stands it apart.

“This is a fine and robust building that very much represents Coventry’s post-war rebirth and what is clear is that this is not a project about knocking something down and starting again but using the best of what is already there and creating something that is not only visually exciting but will also make a major contribution to the renaissance of Coventry city centre.”