Poetry Center and Vintage IKEA Among 67 Million Culture Fund Recipients

Getty Images Poet Laureate Simon Armitage is spearheading the initiative to establish a National Poetry Centre. Plans for transforming a Leeds church into this centre and converting a former Ikea in Coventry into a cultural attraction have received government funding totaling 67 million. However, six other locations that were initially promised an additional 30 million will not receive funds.

Initially announced with almost 100 million for “Levelling Up” culture projects in April 2024, this amount was uncertain following the general election. The incoming government had indicated a willingness to withdraw all funding due to budgetary constraints but has now selected ten locations to retain their support.

The National Poetry Centre is one of these successful initiatives. It will receive 5 million for creating facilities including a 250-seat performance theatre, bookshop, library, caf, recording studios, and rehearsal spaces in Trinity St David’s Church. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage expressed his excitement about this development: “Thanks to this excellent news, the National Poetry Centre will become a reality,” he said. “Poetry is enjoying unprecedented popularity and offers an accessible form of expression for people from all walks of life.” Leeds, being central and at the crossroads of Britain, is deemed ideal as the headquarters.

Other successful projects include:

• National Railway Museum in York: 15 million to build a new Central Hall with improved facilities.
• British Library North in Leeds: 10 million for converting a derelict Grade 1 building into an extension of the British Library.
• International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool: 10 million for expansion and maintenance.
• Venue Cymru in Llandudno: 10 million to upgrade the arts centre into a modern cultural hub.
• City Centre Cultural Gateway in Coventry: 5 million to convert an old Ikea site into a new cultural attraction.
• Newport Transporter Bridge, Wales: 5 million for necessary repairs and maintenance.
• V&A Dundee: 2.6 million to improve the venue’s destination and visitor experience since its opening in 2018.
• Scala arts venue in Worcester: 2.3 million for three projects including office, studio, exhibition spaces, and a youth hub.
• Belfast’s Shore Road Skills Centre: 2.2 million to transform Crusaders FC’s South Stand into an advanced community education facility.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented on the support provided saying, “This support will empower our cultural organisations to continue playing a crucial role in developing skills and talent across the UK.”

The government prioritized projects that were most developed, promised significant impact culturally and economically. However, several areas set to receive 5 million each are now without funding.

• Maldon in Essex
• Redditch in Worcestershire
• High Peak and Erewash in Derbyshire
• Mendip in Somerset
• North Northamptonshire

Councillor Jason Smithers of North Northamptonshire Council expressed clear disappointment, stating the funding was for “an exciting and impactful programme of projects which would have delivered real economic benefits.”

A spokesperson from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government defended their decision: This government inherited commitments to these projects but made difficult choices within tight budgets. We chose advanced-stage projects that will most impact local people and growth.