Arts Council England announces £13.5m for new national centre

IFACCA/Artshub, 03 February 2005
United Kingdom

Arts Council England announced today that it is awarding a £13.5 million arts capital grant towards the redevelopment of the Grand Theatre in Leeds. The theatre – now home to Opera North – is owned by the Leeds City Council. The funding will completely revitalise the theatre, with extensive renovations being planned in all areas. Sir Christopher Frayling, Chair of Arts Council England said: ‘I am delighted that the Arts Council is able to confirm this award. Opera North is one of our finest opera companies and the Leeds Grand Theatre is now set to become a national centre for excellence The award will breathe new life into a very significant arts venue.’ The North of England is currently without a first-class opera venue, and this has resulted in a lack of touring groups and shows. It has also meant that companies like Opera North have been hesitant to adopt a permanent home, simply because there hasn’t been a suitable venue. But the £13.5 million will change that. The redevelopment is aimed at benefiting both audiences and performers. For audiences, stalls will be refurbished, acoustics will be extensively enhanced and disabled access will be greatly improved. Backstage, meanwhile, will be fully modernised. The modernisation will include improved rehearsal rooms, a new, raised scenery flying system and a deeper orchestra pit with more player space and better access for scenery and stage equipment. Opera North General Director Richard Mantle said: ‘Opera North is one of the country's foremost performing companies and we are overjoyed to consolidate Leeds as our permanent home. It is absolutely vital for us to be based in such a vibrant city and we look forward to moving into our new purpose-designed opera centre next year. This project has been close to our hearts for a long time now and our fundraising efforts have been given a real boost by this news. ’We are excited at the prospect of this wonderful restoration, which will be both an inspiration to our artists and a fantastic opportunity to broaden access to the arts for all in Leeds and across the region.’ Cllr John Procter, Chair of the Leeds Cultural Partnership said: ’The Arts Council award is tremendous news and puts the Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera North firmly at the forefront of national cultural life. It will breathe new life into one of Yorkshire’s greatest artistic and entertainment assets and will also create a national high profile centre for excellence in opera.’ For more information, CLICK HERE.

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