Workington’s Carnegie has been given a £170,000 boost from the Government.
It has been handed two grants – £120,000 for capital improvement work and £50,000 in revenue – from the Shared Prosperity Fund.
Barbara Cannon, chair of the Carnegie Theatre Trust, said: “Many people do not realise that the Carnegie is led by a registered charity and it must rely on grants and donations to provide the arts, cultural and community activities that have gone on in the building for decades.
“The building is 120 years old this year and along with many buildings of this age requires a substantial maintenance and improvement plan to keep it fit for purpose.
“It goes without saying that it requires significant investment to keep it watertight and in good condition. This grant from the Government will enable much needed maintenance work.
“We are lucky to have secured the services of Buttress, an architectural heritage specialist who will oversee the building works on our behalf to protect the listed building.
“The revenue funding will provide us with some breathing space as we develop a business case which will allow us to draw down other grant funds so that we can develop our cultural and community offer for the people of Workington.
“The Carnegie is not just a theatre and arts centre but a flourishing community venue with much more to offer such as a thriving music centre for children and adults, a youth worker working directly with local schools and community groups, community activities such as a homework and summer club and a warm spot during the winter for those who need it.”
Cumberland Councillor Anne Quilter, executive member for vibrant & healthy places, said: “I am delighted that the Carnegie Theatre Trust has been awarded this grant which will enable improvements to be made to this Grade ll listed building.
“I have visited this gem of a building recently and can see that the Trustees are working extremely hard to preserve this wonderful building, which was the gift of Scottish American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie.
“Along with my colleagues and senior officers we will work in partnership with the trust and others to develop a cultural and community offer for young people and the wider community. They have my full support.”
