Fylde Council have taken the first steps to obtain funding from Art Council England’s Cultural Development Fund Round Three for the purpose of redeveloping Lowther Pavilion in Lytham St Annes.
A formal Expression of Interest has been submitted to the Cultural Development Fund: Round Three to help realise and deliver the vision for the future of the Theatre and Gardens. The expression of interest confirms a £5m grant ask (the maximum that can be requested) into an overall project value estimated to be circa £7m. This expression of interest will then be considered by an Expert Advisory Panel at Arts Council England, who will make recommendations to the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with whom the final decision on which applications to fund will reside.
Cllr Karen Buckley, Leader of Fylde Council, said: “Securing the future of the historic Pavilion is the task of a strong Partnership between Lowther Trust, Fylde Council, the Pavilion Management Team, Volunteers, and the Friends of Lowther Pavilion. As a Council, we are privileged to be able to lead this project and help ensure that the Pavilion can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Grand plans have already been approved to redevelop and modernise the Pavilion and the surrounding gardens. The generosity of local fundraising efforts has already allowed the commencement of work on the 150 seat Community, Education and Studio Space from November 2021, and this expression of interest seeks to expand this work and help enact the next stages of the plan.
Cllr Michael Sayward, Chairman of Fylde Council’s Tourism & Leisure Committee, said: “Lowther Pavilion is one of Fylde’s art and culture treasures. As a hub of community entertainment set within the stunning Lowther Gardens, the Pavilion attracts over 61,000 theatre goers, café users and thousands more through the numerous events and activities held every year, making it a vital and valued contributor both to the local economy and the cultural texture of the region.”
Teresa Mallabone, Chair of Lowther Trust, said: “We are delighted with the support from Fylde Borough Council for the Lowther redevelopment plan. The project presents opportunities for people, both with training jobs and cultural endeavours. It will be a flagship development for the Fylde area.”
Fylde Council will be notified of the Expression of Interest Outcome by Monday 19th September 2022. Follow our social media channels and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to keep up with all the latest developments on this and much more.
Information about the fund
The Cultural Development Fund is administered by the Arts Council, England. The fund will see £30.2m allocated to projects in 2022/23. The fund will be allocated to capital investment in transformative place-based creative and cultural initiatives.
The aims of the fund are to:
- Unlock local economic growth and productivity
- Enable more attractive places in which to live, work, visit and invest
- Strengthen local leadership, partnerships and capability
The Arts Council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have identified 109 local authority areas that they deem a ‘Priority Place for Levelling Up Culture’. Fylde is one of the 109 places identified.
If shortlisted, the Council as lead applicant will be asked to submit a full application on behalf of the Partnership by Friday 18th November 2022. Successful Applicants will be notified of the decision outcome in March 2023.
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