Multi-million pound grant to move West Yorkshire Playhouse plans ahead

West Yorkshire Playhouse plans. Credit: Page/Park architects

A multi-million pound grant funding bid towards the transformation of the West Yorkshire Playhouse is expected to be given the nod by council bosses later this month.

Approval will be sought at a meeting of Leeds Council’s executive board on July 17 for a £6.33m funding application to be submitted to Arts Council England to take the proposals for the scheme to move to the next stage.

Subject to Arts Council England awarding a stage two grant, the project will deliver improved access to the theatre, a new city-facing entrance and a studio theatre space in the Rock Void.

The investment in the Playhouse, which will cost £14m in total, is seen as a key element of the city’s ongoing efforts to be named European Capital of Culture in 2023.

The project is expected to see the council commit £4.3m towards the cost of the refurbishment of the theatre building, with the remaining cost coming from the Playhouse through reserves and fundraising.

Cllr Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is another exciting step towards the transformation of one of our most cherished arts institutions and a powerful statement of intent about our ambitions for the future of culture in Leeds.

“The West Yorkshire Playhouse is an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape and this project will both secure its future, make the theatre and its surrounding area a more vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit.

“Our city’s eclectic arts scene is also a key element of our thriving local economy and an investment in one of Leeds’s cultural leading lights will help secure jobs and stimulate economic growth.”
If the application is successful, construction work is expected to begin early next year.

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