A THEATRE in Worcester is the latest casualty of a potential government u-turn on £5 million in promised Levelling Up funding for the city.
The Swan Theatre is at risk of losing £200,000 in funding earmarked for the installation of a new lift to improve accessibility. The lift upgrade would make the theatre more inclusive, enabling better access for those with mobility challenges and ensuring the venue remains a welcoming space for all.
The theatre, at The Moors, has long been a cultural hub for Worcester, hosting performances, workshops, and community events. However, without the £200,000 from the Levelling Up fund, plans to install the new lift may be delayed indefinitely, limiting accessibility for many members of the community.
Liberal democrat campaigner Paul Jagger said: “The Swan Theatre is a cherished part of Worcester’s cultural life, but it needs to be accessible to everyone. This lift upgrade isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity to ensure that people with mobility challenges can enjoy everything the theatre has to offer. If this funding is withdrawn, it would be a huge blow to the theatre and to the values of inclusion and accessibility that Worcester stands for. We need to send a strong message to the government that Worcester deserves this investment.”
The £5 million Levelling Up funding, which is now under review, was set to support several key projects in Worcester, including cultural and heritage initiatives. Other projects at risk include new education centres at the City Art Gallery and Tudor House Museum, expanded public spaces at the Corn Exchange and Scala, and improvements to local parks such as Gheluvelt and Cripplegate.
Mr Jagger continued: “Accessibility upgrades like this lift are essential for creating inclusive community spaces. The government must honour its commitment to Worcester and ensure that these vital projects can go ahead. The people of Worcester shouldn’t be left questioning whether their city matters.”
New chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves announced in Labour’s first budget earlier this month there were plans to reallocate levelling up funding to “nationally significant” projects instead.
A statement published on the ministry of housing, communities and local government website reads: “Given the need to make savings, the Government has announced that it is minded to withdraw funding from the Levelling Up Culture Projects and Capital Regeneration Projects announced at Spring Budget 2024, but will consult with these places before making final decisions.”
