Former HQ of Coventry Telegraph set to become boutique hotel

Plans are being drawn up to create a 1950s inspired boutique hotel in the former headquarters of the Coventry Telegraph.

The iconic post-war building on Corporation Street has stood empty since 2012, when the newspaper moved to the city's Canal Basin. It has now been bought from Trinity Mirror Group by Complex Development Projects (CDP), which intends to develop a hotel that celebrates Coventry's resurrection during the 1950s, after much of the city centre was destroyed by bombing during World War Two.

Ian Harrabin, managing director of CDP, said that planning permission had been granted to demolish the building, located opposite the Belgrade Theatre, but he hoped that it can be saved as it is an important local landmark and an integral part of Coventry's post-war history.

"The minimalist design of the 1950s was a major change from what had gone before and is becoming fashionable again today," he explained.

"All of the hotels in the city centre are national brands - what we plan is something very different, a one off and a special Coventry place to stay."

CDP has previously converted Coventry's Electric Wharf, an 1896 former power station, into loft apartment and offices, as well as regenerate Far Gosford Street with a creative shopping area.

Harrabin added: "We want to take the same creative approach to the hotel, to make it something special, somewhere where you want to stay for the experience, rather than just a bed for the night."

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