Our aim is to keep the building open to the citizens and visitors to Coventry. We need funding to ensure we can pay the running costs and to ensure the artefacts are maintained. The Priory Visitor Centre & Undercroft was closed due to City Council Cuts in 2016. A group of volunteers set up a Social Enterprise and have now been granted a lease to take over and manage the building as a community museum, conference and event space. The Priory houses the original medieval cathedral of Coventry which was called St Mary and housed a Benedictine Priory which was founded by Lady Godiva and her husband the Earl of Leofric. King Henry VIII order the monastery to be dissolved and the Cathedral was taken down stone by stone. In 1999 - 2000 Time Team helped uncover the Cathedral and Benedictine Monastery. We want to set up a cafe and a expand our events on site which will enable us to be self sufficient and support the free entry to the museum and continue to share the story of Coventry.

What we'll deliver:

• Develop our website and marketing material to expand our tourist offer
• Expand our educational offer and help Coventry become a medieval centre of excellence
• To develop a cafe, kitchen and seating area to become sustainable & provide jobs

Why it's a great idea:

It is important to be able to share our Cities heritage by retaining the Priory Visitor Centre & Community museum. The history of Medieval Coventry could be lost to visitors and future generations if we are unable to keep the building open. We receive no grants to keep the building open and rely on volunteers. We would like to open the community museum and share the history of Coventry on a more regular basis. The area outside has become neglected and a haven for anti-social behaviour, we wish to work with the youths and encourage them to see the benefits of heritage and working with communities. We need to purchase signage to ensure tourists know where we are and the benefits of becoming a 'Friend of Coventry Priory'

Steps to get it done:

Coventry is bidding to become City of Culture 2021 and we need to be a part of that experience. The building is beautiful modern structure built in 2002/3 The mezzanine area requires some updating to enable us to expand our conference and event offer. We require soundproofing and black out blinds to the upstairs area if we are to fully utilise the space.