CITY MP Robin Walker has welcomed the news Worcester will receive £3 million from the government’s Cultural Development Fund to help drive local economic growth through investment in culture, heritage and the creative industries.
The city’s funding will be used to create new cultural festivals, support skills development and provide volunteer opportunities for the local community. It is expected that the funding will help support more than 60 new jobs and more than 500 people will benefit from skills training.
The fund was announced in the Creative Industries Sector Deal last year, and marks a step change in how the Government is investing in culture.
It forms part of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy which has seen more than £150million jointly invested by Government and industry through the Creative Industries Sector Deal to help cultural and creative businesses across Britain thrive and consolidate the country’s position as a global creative and cultural powerhouse.
“The news of £3million in funding to develop eight new work and creative spaces is fantastic, and will only serve to further enhance the city,” Mr Walker said.
“I have long been a supporter of reviving the high street nationally, but believe that we are especially lucky in Worcester to have such a vibrant, open and bustling high street. Residents and visitors to Worcester alike will know the faithful city has a long and colourful past, and it is most welcomed that the Government has recognised this and committed funds to restore and renovate unique elements of the city’s structure.
“I very much look forward to the beginning of the works, and I am excited to see how the spaces will be used,” he said.
Worcester has recently been selected for a 75 per cent one year Government business retentions rate pilot scheme worth over £4million in county revenue.
Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “Creativity, arts and heritage make our towns and cities unique and our communities better places to live. With clear plans in place, this funding has the potential to make Worcester a more exciting place to live, work and visit, attracting further investment and creating jobs.
“This is an incredible opportunity for Worcester to build on its industrial heritage to create a vibrant cultural hub for the local community.”
David Blake, Managing Director of Worcester City Council, said: “This funding will help us transform Worcester’s railway arches into a key gateway for the city and a hub for business and creative skills development. The arches will become a vibrant destination linking the riverside and our city centre, and host a base dedicated to organising festivals and cultural events for the whole of Worcester.”
