Belgrade Theatre Secures Funding For Plans Ahead of 2021

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced a multimillion-pound investment in the West Midlands region as part of the government's 2018 Budget, revealed yesterday on Monday 29 October.

In addition to allocating £71.5 million to support transport projects in the recently formed West Midlands Combined Authority, the budget also includes a substantial investment in projects linked to Coventry's year as City of Culture in 2021.

An additional £8.5 million has been promised to the City of Culture Trust in the lead-up to 2021, part of which will help to support big plans at the Belgrade Theatre including a refurbishment of its 1958 auditorium and upgrading of its catering facilities.

The news comes towards the end of an already exciting year for the Theatre, with 2018 marking 60 years since it first opened its doors, becoming the UK's first civic theatre to open after the Second World War.

The Belgrade Theatre's Executive Director Joanna Reid said: "This is a fantastic injection of much needed cash to the City to boost our cultural infrastructure, and it's brilliant to receive it now so that we can get on and undertake the works and be completely ready for 2021.

"The element of the award coming to the Belgrade needs to be confirmed but we know that it is a major funding milestone for us and we continue to work to raise the required funds for our £4.6m capital development project. We plan to start with the Main Stage refurbishment in Summer 2019."

Following this announcement, the Belgrade will be launching a public campaign in March 2019 to raise additional funds towards this exciting development. Look out for details in the new year.

As a registered charity (number 219163), the Belgrade Theatre is reliant on funding from grants, Members, donors, corporate supporters and sponsors to continue its vital work in the community. To find out more, visit www.belgrade.co.uk/support-us.