Arts and community projects receive cash boost

Three projects that missed out on Levelling Up funds in Worcester are to get a financial boost.

Comer Gardens Community Centre, the Swan Theatre and plans for a Worcester music bus will all benefit.

Worcester City Council was awarded a £178,000 capital grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in December 2024.

Councillors held off allocating money until the outcome of Worcester's bid for government funding was known. The city was due to get £5m but ended up with £2.3m and some projects missed out on funds.

"Unfortunately we were not successful in a number of project allocations with government," managing director David Blake told the council's policy and resources committee on Tuesday.

He said the council was successful with securing funds for the Scala project - an arts and entertainment venue in the city - and plans to revamp Angel Place and the Corn Exchange.

Mr Blake said £42,000 would go towards refurbishment of Comer Gardens Institute, a project to which "the council has already committed £140,000".

The Swan Theatre will get £50,000 towards installation of a lift to improve accessibility, and £80,000 has been allocated to a music bus.

The music bus was described as "a travelling music facility to widen participation and learning amongst young people across the city".

Councillor Karen Holmes said it was "lovely" that the theatre would be accessible to all, and councillor Pat Agar said it was "excellent news" the council could return to some projects.

Council leader Lynn Denham said she was "particularly chuffed" about money for the mobile music hub and added that it would help increase skills in more deprived areas.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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