Arts Council England to invest £350,000 in Ludlow Assembly Rooms
Arts Council England is investing £350,000 in Ludlow Assembly Rooms’ plans to transform its facilities.
It is one of three organisations in the West Midlands to be successful in the latest round of investment from the Arts Council’s small capital programme.
Plans to modernise Ludlow Assembly Rooms will see its main entrance moved to Castle Square and its grand staircase opened up for use. The Box Office and Visitor Information Centre will be combined and a new café serving local produce will be created for the community and visitors to enjoy.
The installation of a lift and ground floor toilet facilities will widen access to the venue, making it more open and accessible. Much-needed upgrades to water and heating systems will make the building greener, reducing maintenance costs for the future.
Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England, said:
“This is fantastic news for the Midlands. Arts and culture plays a vital role in making the area a great place to live and we’re pleased to be investing in some really exciting projects which will benefit local people and their communities. By equipping arts and cultural venues with the buildings and equipment they need we hope to see this investment support the region’s creative economy to thrive.”
The Arts Council’s small capital funding programme supports organisations to develop resilience by giving them the right buildings and equipment to deliver their work, and to become more sustainable businesses.
Since Ludlow Assembly Rooms opened its doors in 1993 its artistic programmes and outreach work have grown from strength to strength. This latest investment is a major boost to plans to modernise facilities to meet demand.
Helen Hughes, Chief Executive, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, said:
“The fantastic news about this grant, which demonstrates the support and confidence of Arts Council England in Ludlow Assembly Rooms, puts our ambitious plans to modernise the building within reach. This in turn will put us on a sustainable footing – economically, socially and environmentally – and enable us to serve all parts of our community."
Philip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, has welcomed news, Mr Dunne said:
“Ludlow Assembly Rooms provide an exceptional arts venue for Ludlow and the surrounding area. So I am delighted they have secured this funding from the Arts Council.
"I have been supporting efforts by the trustees to secure an asset transfer from Shropshire Council and this grant provides the key boost to get the project off the ground. It will ensure Ludlow Assembly Rooms has a vibrant future at the heart of the arts in South Shropshire.
"I congratulate the Board of Ludlow Assembly Rooms for this tremendous progress and look forward to working with them to help move this project forward.”
