Poet laureate Simon Armitage has welcomed the news that the government is investing £5m into the development of the National Poetry Centre, which will be located in Leeds.
Part of a £20m project, the centre will become the UK’s first ever dedicated national cultural centre for poetry and is set to serve the whole country.
It will involve transforming the iconic Trinity St David’s church on Woodhouse Lane to include a 250-seat performance theatre, bookshop, library, cafe, offices, recording facilities, rehearsal spaces and study rooms.
“We are a nation of poets, the home of the English language, and poetry has been the voice of Britain for 1500 years, but until now it has never had a proper home,” says Mr Armitage, who is also professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds.
“Thanks to this excellent news, the National Poetry Centre will become a reality,” he continues.
“Poetry is enjoying a surge of popularity, offering people from every walk of life an accessible and memorable means of expression. Leeds, at the heart of Britain and the crossroads of the country, is the perfect place for a national and international headquarters."
The investment from the government was originally earmarked for last March, but has now been confirmed following a further consultation.
The project has been fully supported by Arts Council England, the West Yorkshire mayor, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council.
Hoping to play host to hundreds of live performances and masterclasses each year, the centre has been the brainchild of Mr Armitage and is due to open in 2028.
Director Nick Barley said: “The government’s investment in the National Poetry Centre is an important step forward for poetry in the UK, headquartered in Leeds but opening up opportunities for people across the British Isles.
“This support will allow us to develop the capital project, secure further investment and create an organisation which will bring widespread cultural and economic benefits.
“Above all, this will be an organisation that exists for poetry in all its diverse forms: for creators, listeners and readers. Encouraging open access to the arts across the nation’s diverse communities will be central to our work: the National Poetry Centre will stand as a beacon of creative endeavour for many people whose voices are currently unheard.”
