The HMV Empire. A Live Music Venue Reborn
A former cinema turned retail unit converted into a thriving 1,500 capacity live music venue, delivered on schedule for Coventry’s City of Culture.
project
Multi level venue conversion
location
Coventry city centre
capacity
1,500
duration
20 weeks
The Situation
The Empire was a 600 capacity live music venue with its lease running out. To grow, the team needed new premises, and working with Coventry Council they found one: a former cinema turned retail unit that could hold 1,500 people. It just needed to become a music venue.
What the client wanted
A multi use venue for national and international acts, DJs, cinema, comedy, conferences and private functions, open in time for Coventry's City of Culture, 20 weeks away.
What we did
We won the contract against stiff competition and delivered the conversion across multiple levels of a busy city centre building. We built high performance acoustic partitions to stop sound escaping at levels that would have cost the venue its licence. We made bespoke bar counters and wall panelling in house, brought a forgotten balcony back to life with full length bi folding doors and a frameless glass balustrade, and built unique features from upcycled materials throughout, including a bar that went on to win an award.
Challenges we overcame
COVID 19 arrived almost immediately, bringing staff and material shortages. Acoustic testing then showed sound escaping at unacceptable levels, forcing us to plan again and redesign major elements with specialist acoustic experts, all inside the same 20 week deadline.
The Outcome
We handed the venue over on schedule, in time for the City of Culture. The Empire is now a
thriving 1,500 capacity venue and the destination for live music in Coventry, and a forgotten
corner of the city has its focus back.
“Paul and his team worked tirelessly throughout this project. All the trades were excellent
and their workmanship excellent. I would happily employ his company's services again.
10/10.”
More from our
commercial team
Apollo Warehouse Fit-Out
Canteen space, staff toilets, and full fire door installation to compliance standards.
Haydon - Offices to Apartments
Previously empty offices converted into four large desirable residential apartments, start to finish.
Kelly Cooper Hairdresser
Stunning refurbishment on Kenilworth High Street. Bespoke styling stations, arched feature mirrors, contemporary product display.
One Wellness Studio
Full studio refurbishment completed in a 9-day turnaround. Paul designed the layout himself based on the client’s expansion vision.
Inspire Office Refurbishment
Full office refurbishment, meeting rooms with feature walls, staff kitchen, toilet upgrades. Returned for a follow-on contract.
Forrest Café Conversion
Disused building converted into a thriving café. Full strip-out, kitchen fit-out, and shopfront works.