Today, Monday 17th February, the government announced nine culture projects across England will receive funding, two of which are in Leeds.
From a pot of more than £64million, authorities announced £10million has been earmarked to help breathe life into Holbeck’s Historic Temple Works building, paving the way for it to become home to a new British Library North.
What’s more, a further £5million has been confirmed to support a National Poetry Centre at Trinity St David’s Church on Woodhouse Lane.
‘The British Library North project aims to create a world-class space for learning, research, exhibitions and events that would unlock the huge potential of Temple Works and boost the ongoing regeneration of the wider Holbeck and South Bank areas,’ Cllr James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council said. ‘It is therefore really welcome news that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has confirmed that, following a consultation, this £10m of funding is now in place to support the process of bringing the Temple Works building into public ownership and back into use.
‘We have worked hard in recent months with partners, including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Homes England and the British Library itself, to make the case for this funding.
‘Together we were able to emphasise the importance of the scheme and the economic and social benefits it would bring to Leeds, West Yorkshire and the North, not least through engagement and connections with local communities.’
As well as the projects in Leeds, seven other cultural schemes across England, Wales and Scotland have received funding. These include:
- The National Railway Museum in York has been granted £15million
- International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum in Liverpool has been given £10million
- Coventry have received £5million to convert the former Ikea building in the city centre
- The Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee has been awarded £2.6million
- Venue Cymru in Conwy has been granted £10million
- £5million has been given to repair the Newport Transporter Bridge
- Three projects in Worcester have been awarded £2.3million
When announcing the plans, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, said: ‘Every corner of the UK has something unique to offer, and our rich creative capital must not be underestimated.
‘Our plan for change promises growth for every region and I’ve seen first-hand how these projects are igniting growth in their communities.
‘Through investing in these critical cultural projects we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their hometown has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.’
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