Plans to convert a Leeds church into a National Poetry Centre and a former Ikea in Coventry into a visitor attraction are among cultural projects that have had government funding worth a total of £67m confirmed.
However, six more locations that had been promised a further £30m will now not receive that money.
Almost £100m was originally announced for “Levelling Up” culture projects in April 2024, which was then in the balance after the general election.
The incoming government said it was “minded to withdraw” all of the money because of “the need to make savings”, but has now chosen 10 places to keep their funding.
‘Surge of popularity’
They include the National Poetry Centre, which is the brainchild of Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
It will receive £5m towards creating a 250-seat performance theatre, bookshop, library, cafe, recording facilities and rehearsal spaces in Trinity St David’s Church.
“Thanks to this excellent news, the National Poetry Centre will become a reality,” Armitage said.
“Poetry is enjoying a surge of popularity, offering people from every walk of life an accessible and memorable means of expression. Leeds, at the heart of Britain and the crossroads of the country, is the perfect place for a national and international headquarters.”
The other successful projects are:
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “This support will empower our cultural organisations to continue playing an essential role in developing skills, talent and high-quality careers in every corner of the UK.”
The government said it had prioritised projects from the original list that were the most advanced, would make significant cultural impact, and would maximise economic growth.
‘Clearly disappointed’
However, several areas that had been earmarked to receive £5m each will miss out. They are: Maldon in Essex, Redditch in Worcestershire, High Peak and Erewash in Derbyshire, Mendip in Somerset, and North Northamptonshire.
Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, said he was “clearly disappointed” by the withdrawal of funding that would have paid for “an exciting and impactful programme of projects which would have helped deliver real economic benefits”.
Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Somerset Council’s executive lead member for communities, housing and culture, said it was “very disappointing news indeed for our communities and the creative industries” in the county.
She added: “It appears that once again it’s the rural communities that miss out whilst the cities receive the money. People have invested their time, and placed their hope, into getting this government funding, and I really feel for them today.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “This government inherited unfunded commitments to these projects, along with many others, but by making difficult choices we have managed to re-prioritise some funding within extremely tight budgets.
“We have carefully considered the responses to our consultation and chosen projects at an advanced stage that will have the greatest impact on local people and economic growth – this government’s number one mission.”
