Worcester invests in projects that lost out on Levelling Up funds

Creative projects that missed out on government funding in Worcester are being backed by the local council.

Worcester City Council is investing in a refurbishment of Comer Gardens Community Centre, the Swan Theatre and plans for a Worcester music bus.

The three projects were ringfenced to be supported by Levelling Up funds from the government but missed out when the city was given £2.3m rather than its full £5m bid.

During the council’s policy and resources committee meeting on Tuesday (27 May), council managing director David Blake confirmed the projects will receive financial support from the council.

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

Reports from the BBC add that the Swan Theatre will get £50,000 towards the installation of a lift to improve accessibility, while £80,000 has been allocated to a music bus.

During the meeting 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.