Worcester reels as Levelling Up Fund suffers cuts. Key projects risk halt despite some funds allocated. Anger simmers.
Some projects will still get money, including £1.7 million for The Corn Exchange, £370,000 for Scala Co-Working, and £233,000 for Angel Place. Other projects, unfortunately, might not happen now.
The Museum and Gallery Learning Centre, as well as a Tudor House Museum revamp, won’t be funded. Now, these organizations need to find other sources of money. Alex Norris wrote to Lynn Denham about this, mentioning a tough financial situation.
Specifically, the Museum Learning Centre wanted £500,000, and Tudor House’s redesign asked for £326,000. The Battle of Worcester Society sought £65,000, the city council wanted £200,000 for Arts in the Arches, and Severn Arts needed £80,000 for Music Box. Additionally, Comer Gardens wanted £42,000 for an extension, the Swan Theatre needed £205,000 for accessibility, and Music for Everyone sought £1.28 million for parks.
The Swan Theatre is upset about this as they wanted to improve accessibility with a lift as part of their plan. They also aimed to support youth and community work; believing access for all is deserving. They feel existing arts are being ignored.
Marc Bayliss is critical of the funding cuts, stating the budget was cut in half, which he feels hurts good projects. Lynn Denham wanted the full amount originally, calling the approved amount unfunded.
The Green Party likes the Scala and Angel Place funding, but are disappointed by the overall uncertainty. They state that the city gets less than promised. The Swan Theatre lift won’t happen now, and the museum education space is off the table.
The Green Party also note that the park bandstand won’t be refurbished and accessible toilets also will not get funded. They believe this amounts to wasted time.
Jessie Jagger welcomed the Corn Exchange funding, but is still not happy. Paul Jagger wanted funding for the Swan’s lift and believes Tudor House should be celebrated.