Levelling up funding protects 70 pubs, theatres and museums

£25 million of funding has been announced to rescue museums, pubs, parks and cinemas across the country.

Successful bidders will receive a share of the Community Ownership Fund.

More than 70 buildings across the UK are to receive funding.

For the first time, £2 million will be granted to individual projects.

Just over £2 million will go to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to enable it to buy a neighbouring 1800s building and turn it into an adjoining venue.

Adrian Jackson, CEO and artistic director of the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre said: "Wolverhampton Grand Theatre is committed to supporting and empowering our cherished community, therefore the grant from the Community Ownership Fund will allow us to continue to enhance the cultural and creative enrichment within the City.

"The theatre has been developing major creative expansion plans for the past six years and these will now finally become a reality. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for recognising the significant impact our work will have on the local community and for this exciting new chapter."

The money will be spread between: 26 community centres and village halls; 14 creative buildings including museums, theatres, cinemas, music venues and art galleries; 12 sports and leisure clubs; 3 commercial buildings for vital community shops, including a post office in rural Derbyshire; 8 community pubs; and 4 parks and green spaces.

Secretary of State for Levelling Up Michael Gove said: "Investing in communities improves lives – whether that’s rebuilding a community centre, rescuing historic pubs and theatres or upgrading sports facilities used by families every day.

"These are unique and cherished places, valued by local people of all ages, and we know how much they mean to communities. The Community Ownership Fund is about restoring pride in the places people call home and I’m delighted to be funding these projects."

Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said: We’ve had brilliant bids from every corner of the UK and I’m delighted we’re supporting an extra 72 projects with almost £25 million of levelling up funding going directly to community groups.

"We know this funding has the power to bring about meaningful change to local people; protecting local spaces, preserving historic buildings, and transforming communities."

Image by Christian_Birkholz from Pixabay