It has long been recognised that the Spencer Yard area of Old Town could form the hub of a Cultural Quarter. The Yard forms a natural enclosed space, which is surrounded by a series of interesting buildings. The buildings and the central space were in a poor state of repair, and had been subjected to an arson attack and/or derelict. The first feasibility study was prepared by WarwickDistrict Council, in 1997. This study highlighted the potential in spatial planning terms for the location to be used as the hub of a Cultural Quarter.

The Cultural Quarter has been conceived by a group of stakeholders comprising of artists, cultural industries, Warwickshire College and local authority as a network of arts and cultural activities radiating out from venues in the Old Town, with the Spencer Yard development as its “hub”. It will be inclusive, aspiring and coherent, providing, varied and accessible opportunities.