"Familiar face behind Nuneaton department store transformation"

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Who is moving into Nuneaton's former Co-op toy department and Santa's Grotto building?



A new £4m college training centre and restaurant will be housed within a piece of Nuneaton's history.

CoventryLive can confirm the part of former Co-op store which played home to the toy department and santa's grotto section will become the new home for the new venture from North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College.

The college's plans form part of the 'My Town Nuneaton' project, which was funded by the government to the tune of £23.2m.

It was confirmed the college wanted to re-locate its commercial facing functions, including training and its catering department and restaurant into the town centre.

At the time no location was revealed but, following a tour of the site with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, CoventryLive can confirm that it will be in part of what remains of the former department store.

Much of the huge building has been demolished but there are parts that remain - including the Abbey Street frontage which backs onto what was the much-loved toy department and santa's grotto building.

Dawn Dawson, head of director of housing, communities and economic development at the Town Hall, confirmed that the college would be moving in.

However, the move is still in its infancy while detailed plans are being drawn-up.

The former toy department, Santa's grotto and remains of the Abbey Street frontage of the Co-op building also need to undergo refurbishment to welcome the college - and other new firms which may move into office space that will be created.

The council is looking to market the remains of the department store that has been preserved during the demolition works.

The transformation of the Art Deco section of the frontage of the store in Queens Road into a business hub is almost complete.

The first floor, which used to house the Co-op cafe, has been transformed into office space, with toilets and kitchen facilities.

The second floor, which was where seamstresses made the made to measure curtains ordered by Co-op customers, has been given a similar make-over.

The roof of the Art Deco section has also been refurbished and the building has all new windows.

New paving is currently being laid at the left hand side of the building, which will form the access to what will be a business hub for existing and emerging businesses who need town centre space.