Loughborough arts hub to receive £1.6m funding boost

Plans for a new arts and culture hub in Loughborough have taken a step forward after the Town Deal Board green-lit £1.6m in funding for the project.

The scheme, known as the Generator project, will see a derelict hall in Packe Street – dating back to the 1930s and originally home to diesel generators that powered the then Loughborough College’s many town centre departments – brought back to life.

The project, which will be led by the Loughborough Generator Community Interest Company (CIC), is one of 11 schemes Loughborough Town Deal is backing after securing £16.9m of Government funding.

The Town Deal Board is co-chaired by Cllr Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council, and Dr Nik Kotecha OBE, chairman of Loughborough-based Morningside Pharmaceuticals.

Cllr Morgan said: “We are delighted to be able to confirm the funding for the Generator project. This is a truly fascinating and unique building in the heart of Loughborough.

“It has a wonderful open space that lends itself to the arts scene and while it will support the creative community, it will also bring more footfall into the town centre and have an economic impact as well.”

Dr Kotecha added: “The Generator really showcases the variety of projects being supported by Loughborough Town Deal and I was really pleased to visit the building and see the raw potential that it possesses.

“The project team are clearly passionate about the Generator and what it can achieve, and we look forward to seeing it develop.

“Arts and culture are an important part of Loughborough’s social and economic fabric.”