Liverpool and Llandudno each get £10m cultural boost
A combined project will see upgrades across Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum, while the Venue Cymru scheme will enhance the largest Welsh arts centre outside Cardiff.
Both funding streams had been promised under the Conservative government as part of the Levelling Up Fund, but had been in doubt when Labour’s incoming administration declined to commit the spending last autumn while it assessed options, placing it “under review”.
Confirming now that the funding will indeed be provided, 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 home town has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.”
The Ministry for Housing, Communities & Local Government said that the Liverpool programme will allow the city “to expand and maintain the museums which play a crucial role in the wider reimagining of the Liverpool Waterfront”.
National Museums Liverpool last year submitted plans for a £58m accessibility-led project that will see new entrances and a link bridge between the two attractions.
Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios is the architect for the scheme, which would see a 960 sq ft entrance pavilion built for the ISM, a glazed roof lantern added to the atrium, external doors to the west pavilion, and a 320 sq ft bridge connecting the Dr Martin Luther King Jr building to the Hartley Pavilion.
The Maritime Museum at the Hartley Pavilion would receive, in turn, two new glazed vestibules – a 635 sq ft one for the main, northern entrance and a smaller 250 sq ft one for the dock-facing southern one. There would also be a rooflight added to the lecture theatre.
The Office for Wales said that the £10m for Venue Cymru will “deliver a step-change in the use of the building, including the relocation of the existing library and Tourist Information Centre to create a modern and innovative cultural hub”.
Newport’s Transporter Bridge will also get £5m for a revamp. Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Venue Cymru and the Newport Transporter Bridge are iconic landmarks in their local communities, and I am delighted that this UK government funding will be used to boost Wales’ already world-leading tourism and culture sectors.
“Our investment in these two fantastic projects is an example of how our Plan for Change will lead to a decade of national renewal for people the length and breadth of Wales. This is a UK government that is delivering regeneration and economic growth for every community.”
Other disbursements include £15m for the National Railway Museum in York,, along with £10m for the Temple Works British Library North project, and £5m for the National Poetry Centre, both in Leeds.
Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, cabinet member for culture, governance and IT at Conwy Council, said: “We’re looking forward to expanding the cultural offer to the communities in Conwy County and further afield. Arts and culture are of huge importance in delivering a positive economic impact and in supporting the wellbeing of our communities. This funding will help protect the future of Venue Cymru and its work.”
Sarah Ecob, the local authority’s head of economy & culture, said: “Venue Cymru welcomes visitors from around the UK and overseas every year, delivering over £30m in economic benefit to local businesses as well as offering visitors and our local community an exciting, diverse range of cultural events and activities.
“The investment in Venue Cymru is great news for the area and comes on the back of substantial funding investment in Llandudno from Welsh Government and UK Government, which has included work on the former M&S building on Mostyn Street, upgrade of all the shelters on the promenade, refurbishment of the popular Alice trail, and multiple business support grants.
“We’re looking forward to working with UK Government over the next few weeks to understand the details of the offer and to progress the project, which will help to safeguard a number of our services at this time of severe financial pressure for local authorities.”
