Stuart Anderson MP is delighted that Wolverhampton’s very own Grand Theatre has been awarded £2.05 million from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund. The Theatre is one of just five projects worth £3 million in the West Midlands to have been awarded funding which enables communities to purchase much-loved facilities and secure a brighter future for them. Stuart has championed the Fund, which can be used to protect a wide range of community assets that are important to local communities. He is pleased that the Grand Theatre has been awarded funding to acquire Amar House, known locally as ‘The Slade Rooms.’
The £150 million Community Ownership Fund helps communities, including Wolverhampton, to take ownership of assets at risk of closure which are important to them. With its funding, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre will buy a neighbouring 1800s building and turn it into an adjoining venue. This will allow the theatre - which just turned 129 years old - more space in which to host creative and performing arts activities. As part of the announcement, over 70 community treasures including historic theatres, pubs, and museums will be protected with £25 million funding, with Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre being one of the successful community projects receiving up to £2 million for the first time, and one of three heritage theatres winning the top awards.
The Fund is part of a substantial package of UK wide levelling-up interventions building opportunity and empowering communities to improve their local places so that they can thrive now and in the future. The £150 million fund supports community groups to take ownership of beloved assets at risk of closure, in recognition that it can sometimes be hard for community groups to raise the funding needed to buy or renovate local assets. The Fund supports local community groups and run assets sustainably for the long-term benefit of the community. Such assets play a vital role in creating thriving neighbourhoods, where people meet, connect, and spend time together.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre plays an integral role in our city, widening access to arts and culture. I am delighted that it has been awarded £2 million from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund to transform the Slade Rooms as extra space in which to host creative and performing arts activities. It is part of a substantial package of interventions to regenerate our town centres and high streets, improve local transport links, and invest in local culture. This will help to drive economic growth in our city, delivering on our agenda to level up and address regional inequalities.
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.”
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 next funding window of the Community Ownership Fund is now open for bids and will close on 31 January 2024. Projects are being urged to apply for up to £2 million. More details on applying for the next Community Ownership Fund can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/community-ownership-fund-prospectus/community-ownership-fund-prospectus–3.