A flagship partnership will see Coventry’s medieval gem safeguarded for years to come. Today (January 10) the National Trust and Historic Coventry Trust has announced a new partnership that will see the national heritage and conservation charity take on the day-to-day management of The Charterhouse,
In doing so, the National Trust has said that it will be re-opening the Grade I listed, 14th century former monastery to visitors in spring. Historic Coventry Trust saved the historic gem when it raised a a huge £11.9m million needed to not only save but restore the Charterhouse.
Now, through the new partnership, it hopes to share the Carthusian monastery’s story more widely and create a ‘sustainable future’ for the site.
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Oli Burke, National Trust assistant director of operations for the South Midlands, said: “We’re delighted to be working closely with the team at Historic Coventry Trust on what is a very exciting opportunity. They’ve done a fantastic job of restoring this historically important building, and through their passion and dedication they’ve created a very special place for the community to enjoy and for those from further afield to discover.
“At the National Trust we have a lot of experience in managing special places for visitors to enjoy and all the nuts and bolts that involves, so we’re very happy to join together with Historic Coventry Trust to be part of Charterhouse’s next chapter. As this is our first site in Coventry, we’re particularly looking forward to working with the local community and creating a place where residents can come together and be part of Charterhouse’s present and future.”
Ian Harrabin, Chairman of Historic Coventry Trust, added: “The involvement of National Trust opens a new chapter for The Charterhouse with the benefits of their expertise and huge membership attracting a much wider audience.
“The increase in visitors will not only make the future of this exceptional building secure, but also have a major impact on Coventry’s growing attraction as a visitor destination. We are very excited that this will not be the normal National Trust model of operation but an involved partnership with both Historic Coventry and the community. It is great that National Trust has chosen Coventry as a priority place for its involvement in urban areas.”
The partnership news has been welcomed by Coventry City Council and councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration and climate change. said “When Historic Coventry Trust became involved in trying to bring Charterhouse back to life and to secure its future, I don’t think any of us imagined the partnership now being launched with the National Trust – but of course it is the perfect fit.
“And, after brilliant work by the Trust and local people, and with support from the council to the fundraising and capital programme, it’s great that we will now have a National Trust property in the city. It’s another huge step in securing our wonderful Charterhouse for future generations of local people and, of course, for many visitors to the city to enjoy. I look forward to seeing what this important new partnership will bring to The Charterhouse in this new chapter.”
Future plans
It plays 15th and 16th century wall paintings, which are said to be some of the finest examples of medieval and renaissance art in England. The outside area includes a landscaped walled garden, and wider green space with wildlife pond and community orchard, children’s play area and grassland park.
Oli Burke added: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors to Charterhouse in the spring when we reopen the property. We’re currently working on a programme of activities for everyone to enjoy – look out for updates as we’ll be sharing more details soon.”
A new lease agreement is in place where the National Trust is responsible for the main Charterhouse building, the 1.7 acre walled garden and an area within the Heritage Park that includes the community orchard and wildlife pond. The National Trust will also manage the car park and commission a local provider to run a cafe at the site.
The National Trust team will also be working to help see plans for the wider Heritage Park and green corridor between the park and the city come to fruition.
“We’ll be working with partners, including the John Muir Trust, to help enhance the Heritage Park green corridor which connects Charterhouse and wider Coventry,” explained Oli. “This will support biodiversity and nature, and provide greenspace for the surrounding communities, bringing people more access to nature, history and beauty.”
Ahead of the property’s reopening in spring, the National Trust is recruiting more volunteers to join the team and will be holding volunteer recruitment days at The Charterhouse on Saturday, January 18 and Tuesday, January 21 between 10am and 3pm.
Anyone is welcome to go along.