Local authorities

A multi-millionaire businessman has said plans for a 1,600-seater venue in Kent are “not dead yet”, despite an offer to occupy the proposed premises being snubbed by English National Opera.

Paul Gregg wants to transform a town centre car park and former Mecca bingo hall in Ashford into a venue that could accommodate West End shows.

The proposed venue would cost "in the region of £9 million", and Gregg is looking for investment from site owner ABC and Kent County Council.

Having met with ENO's chief executive, Gregg had hoped that the opera company, which is being forced to relocate from London by Arts Council England, would be attracted to the town by his Ashford LIVE venue.

However, ENO has announced that it is considering Birmingham, Bristol, Greater Manchester, Liverpool and Nottingham for its new home.

Gregg said: "It doesn’t change anything – everything will stay as it is. I think ENO would have been ideally placed in Kent because the north is too far away."

Glasgow City Council’s culture leader has said a reduction in the number of staff at Glasgow Life will not affect the quality of the city’s cultural offer.

Earlier this year, the council announced the number of conservation staff at Glasgow Life, which operates council-owned cultural venues, will be reduced by 40% as part of a £1.5m cost saving effort in the museums and collections department.

The decision will mean displays and temporary exhibitions will not be changed as frequently in museums under Glasgow Life’s remit.

Staff cuts at the charity date back to 2021, following a loss of income due to pandemic-related closures.

Responding to concerns raised by fellow councillors at a council meeting on Thursday (11 May), City Convener for Culture, Sport and International Relations, Anette Christie, said the impact of the proposals had been carefully considered.

“It is recognised that this level of reduction will of course have an impact on the frequency of temporary exhibitions and display changes but these decisions have been made in response to the scale of the financial challenge that the city faces.”

Christie insisted the affected museums will retain their Glasgow Museums accreditation, which allows venues to secure revenue or capital funding.

She added the city will maintain its reputation for world-renowned collections, with the council planning development projects at the People’s Palace and the Mitchell Library.

“This city is a city of innovation and we will build on that. Our ambitions still remain great,” Christie said.

“Change is difficult but I have assured them of how important they are to the city, the role that they play and I can say with confidence they are still dedicated.”

A pop-up arts and culture venue is to be created in Humber Street after receiving Levelling Up funding from Hull City Council.

The council awarded a grant of £76,418.82 to Fruit Market LLP to help bring a heritage building on Humber Street back into use.

It will be used as a pop-up space for the local arts and cultural scene.

The grant will fund renovations to the building, including the installation of a new shop front and a new roof, an upgraded interior, cladding to the walls, installation of heating and cooling systems, plumbing works and the fitting of fire systems and fire doors, Hull CC News reported.

“The council is delighted to be able to award this funding to Fruit Market LLP,” said Garry Taylor, Assistant Director for Major Projects, Culture and Place at Hull City Council.

“It’s pleasing to see another unused building being brought back into use, whilst also supporting the city’s flourishing arts and culture scene.”

The price of entry to some museums and attractions in Leeds has risen by up to 14%, the BBC reports.

The price hikes apply at venues including Temple Newsam House, Leeds Industrial Museum, Thwaite Watermill and Abbey House Museum, all owned by Leeds City Council.

The rises were implemented due to inflationary pressures and increased staff costs, the council said. 

The average rise in entry prices was between 5% and 14%. No admission price will rise by more than £2, the council said.

Attractions including the Art Gallery and Leeds City Museum will remain free to enter.

A council report laying out the price changes said they aimed to “ensure Leeds Museums and Galleries can provide choice to visitors, offer value for money alongside specific discounts, deliver against agreed income targets in the next financial year and support Leeds 2023, in the year of culture”.

The London Borough of Culture programme is set to return in 2025 and 2027.

Applications will open in May, with all boroughs that have not previously held the title eligible to apply.

Selected boroughs will receive £1.35m from Greater London Authority (GLA) to help deliver their cultural calendar.

Launched in 2017, the initiative was designed to platform grassroots creativity by developing creative opportunities and legacies in the chosen borough.

GLA estimates more than 3,000 young people, 2,200 artists and partners, 3,370 volunteers and 315 schools have taken part in creative programmes delivered by previous winners Waltham Forest, Brent and Lewisham.

Current hosts Croydon began its calendar of events earlier this month.

The hosts for the next two editions will be announced in early 2024.

“I look forward to seeing the creativity of our boroughs shine through in their bids as we work to build a better and fairer London for everyone,” Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said.

London attractions including Tower Bridge and the Barbican could face industrial action following a vote by City of London Corporation staff.

GMB union members working for the council have overwhelmingly voted for strike action, having rejected the Corporation’s 2022-23 pay offer.

Of those who voted, 77% said they were prepared to strike.

Anna Lee, GMB London Regional Organiser, said: “This vote for industrial action shows just how strongly our members feel and how they will continue to fight for a fair and decent pay rise.

“This is an historic vote, the first time ever that City of London Corporation staff have voted to strike over pay.

"I hope in light of this vote the Corporation will reconsider its position and get back to the negotiating table and present an offer which truly recognises the hard work, reliability and dedication of its workforce.”