TODAY, the UK Government has committed to £10 million of Levelling Up funding for Venue Cymru in Llandudno, North Wales.
The cash boost will upgrade the largest Welsh arts centre outside Cardiff and deliver a step-change in the use of the building, including the relocation of the existing library and Tourist Information Centre to create a modern and innovative cultural hub.
This announcement comes alongside £5 million of Levelling Up funding for the Newport Transporter Bridge in South Wales.
The funding will be critical in showcasing Wales as a leader in culture and tourism and bring in visitors from across the globe. Just as importantly this will help drive growth in all parts of the country by creating jobs and putting money back into the pockets of the people of Wales.
In March 2024, the Conservative Government announced £10 million of funding for Venue Cymru but after Labour won a landslide victory in July, the Chancellor realized that not a single penny had not been allocated for this project. It was part of the £22 billion black hole of unfunded spending commitments that the previous Conservative government had announced.
But today’s announcement puts pounds behind the Tories’ broken promises, money into the Levelling Up Funding pot, and shows how this Labour government is delivering for the people of Wales.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “Venue Cymru and the Newport Transporter Bridge are iconic landmarks in their local communities, and I am very pleased that this UK Government funding will be used to boost Wales’ already world leading tourism and culture sectors.
“Unlike the last Tory Government, whose £22 billion in unfunded commitments left these developments at risk, our investment in these two fantastic projects is an example of how our Plan for Change will lead to a decade of national renewal for people the length and breadth of Wales.
“I am delighted that Wales now has two Labour Governments committed to the regeneration and economic growth that will put more money in people’s pockets. This is a partnership in power that will continue to deliver for the people of Wales.”
Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant MS, said: “This is excellent news for Venue Cymru and for the arts sector and economy of North Wales more broadly.
“With Welsh Government’s own capital spending on arts and culture more than three times what it was a decade ago, Venue Cymru’s refurbishment can be added to the redevelopment of Caerphilly Castle, the extensive refurbishment of Theatr Clwyd, the Museum of Wrexham and other exciting projects being supported this year by governments both here in Wales and in Westminster.”
Claire Hughes, MP for Bangor Aberconwy, said: “It is extremely regrettable that local people had their hopes raised by a Conservative government that made empty promises to communities like ours – knowing full well that the money wasn’t there.
“So I’m very pleased to see a UK Labour Government putting pounds behind promises, recognising the growing importance of creative industries to North Wales and funding this vital local venue.”
