Morecambe’s Winter Gardens has been awarded £2.74 million pounds from the Government, to continue the renovation of the building.
Following the announcement David Morris MP said:
“It is absolutely fantastic news that the Winter Gardens have been awarded 2.78 million by the Government. It was a fantastic bid, which I was proud to support and lobby on behalf of. It is a testament to how strong of a bid the team at the Winter Gardens led by Prof Vanessa Toulmin put in as it is the first time an award of this type has been awarded to a trust running a project and not a Council.”
“Well done to everyone at the Winter Gardens who put together this together and I know what a huge impact this funding will have at restoring the building to its full former glory and protecting our wonderful Winter Gardens for Generations to come.”
On behalf of the trust Prof Toulmin said:
“This is an historic day for the Winter Gardens and marks the single biggest investment in the theatre for over 100 years.”
"I am overjoyed for the residents of Morecambe who have showed such love and loyalty to the building over the many years of disappointment, thankful for the support of my board, our partners, our donors and funders and of course our wonderful volunteers”
"We still have a long way to go but this funding gets us nearer to our ambition of making our building sing and be known once again as the People’s Palace – the Albert Hall of the north.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:
“This investment will help to level up access to arts and culture for everyone, no matter where they live.
Culture helps us create lifelong memories with our families and friends, provides entertainment and joy, and allows us to explore the world around us in new and exciting ways. It can also boost tourism, support local business and drive local economic growth.
This funding will support brilliant arts organisations to upgrade their venues and create new projects that will be at the heart of their communities”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England said:
“Investment in creativity and culture is a catalyst for improving well-being and raising aspirations, reinvigorating pride in communities, regenerating high streets and local economies, and bringing people together. We are pleased to play a part in delivering the Cultural Investment Fund and this £58 million investment will help create new, or improve existing, cultural buildings and spaces in our villages, towns and cities. By doing so it will support recovery and growth and unlock the creative potential of those who live and work in communities across England”
