Contractor named to help create major visitor attraction

A contractor has been named to help create a major new visitor attraction in Coventry ahead of UK City of Culture in 2021.Historic Coventry Trust (HCT), which owner the grade I-listed 14th century Carthusian monastery The Charterhouse has awarded the £4.1m restoration contract to conservation contractor Splitlath.The £8m first phase project will involve restoring one of Coventry’s oldest buildings which is located off London Road near the city centre.Future phases include upgrading a 70- acre wildlife rich landscape and two miles of riverside and woodland walks known as the Heritage Park.Michelin-starred chef Glynn Purnell announced plans in March to open a fine-dining restaurant at the site however the funding is yet to be finalised.Splitlath, based in Hay-on-Wye, has started work to restore the main monastery buildings including fully restoring the roofs, structural and building fabric repairs, restoration of 15th and 16th century wall paintings and construction of a new conservatory cafe.Charterhouse will include an interpretative display, focused on the lives of the Carthusian monks, their lifestyle, cultural importance and influence, medieval and later Elizabethan heritage and the history of the Heritage Park area through to the 20th century, telling the story behind the various landmarks within the Park.