The Herbert has been shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award.

"A beautifully crafted new extension, and imaginative re-use of an existing building, now make the Herbert Art Gallery an impressive feature in Coventry’s regenerated city centre.

The new extension has new temporary and permanent exhibition spaces, a history centre reading room, a new archive, an arcade with a timber gridshell roof, a café, shop and tourist information centre. The existing building has been converted to provide further galleries, stores, conservation studios and offices.

The existing building was reoriented, so that its former back has become a new and inviting frontage to Cathedral and University Squares. The glazed arcade extends the public realm through the building, with galleries on one side and the history centre on the other.

The highest standards of sustainable design were sought. Old plant was replaced with modern, energy efficient systems. Natural ventilation and timber from sustainable resources have been used as far as possible. (The need for strict temperature and humidity controls, as well as a four-hour fire resistant structure, for the archives, placed some restrictions on choices.) New trees and a Peace Garden have replaced a former car park. 

Judges' comment

"The striking pavilion structure for the Herbert Art Gallery has given Coventry a new public heart."

Link: Prime Minister's Better Public Building Award 2009