Government announces £5m for cultural projects in the High Peak

In November the government announced that it had set aside £100m for ‘levelling up’ culture projects.

It was announced this week the development of cultural projects in places previously prioritised for levelling up investment, but which have not to date received the funding will each receive £5m.

Nine of these areas, which include the High Peak, Redditch and Erewash, total a £45m allocation.

Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak said: “I’m really pleased to have secured this major Levelling Up funding for the High Peak.

“I’m proud to go the extra mile to secure Government investment in our area.

“I look forward to working with local people and High Peak Borough Council to come up with a Levelling Up investment plan for our area.”

This provisional funding recognises the crucial role protecting and improving local culture can play in levelling up and supporting communities.

Where the money will be going has not yet been announced.

Sophie Mackreth from High Peak Community Arts said: “I would speculate it may be allocated to one or two major projects. Maybe Victoria Hall in Glossop, or Buxton Art Gallery.

“The High Peak’s cultural identity varies across the district, so it would be nice to see some proper investment outside of Buxton, to support what is more often a grassroots and emergent cultural offer running out of historic buildings which have been neglected for years.”

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, Leader of High Peak Borough Council, said: "Despite the current financial climate, as a Council we've worked with various groups and organisations to support cultural activities across the High Peak.

"The budget announcement of a provisional allocation to support cultural capital schemes in the High Peak is a welcome one.

"We now await the details from the Government as to when the funding will be available and what the requirements for accessing the funding are, aside from the development and agreement of an investment plan.

"We are aware of several cultural projects in development across the Borough that this funding could help progress. Whilst we await further guidance from the Government, we will be looking to gather these groups together towards the end of the month so that we can develop the required plan to secure the funding."