The National Poetry Centre has secured £5 million in government funding to establish the UK’s first dedicated national cultural centre for poetry in Leeds, per nationalpoetrycentre.org.uk. The announcement, made on February 17, marks a crucial step forward in realising the ambitious £20 million project spearheaded by Poet Laureate Simon Armitage.
The historic Trinity St David’s church on Woodhouse Lane will be transformed into a state-of-the-art facility featuring a 250-seat performance theatre, bookshop, library, café and various creative spaces. Armitage, who also serves as Professor of Poetry at the University of Leeds, emphasised the project’s significance: “We are a nation of poets, the home of the English language and poetry has been the voice of Britain for 1,500 years, but until now it has never had a proper home.”
The confirmation of funding follows an initial earmark in March 2024 and subsequent consultation with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. This investment arrives at a time when poetry is experiencing a renaissance, particularly among young audiences who embrace its accessibility in the digital age.
Nick Barley, the Centre’s Director, highlighted the project’s inclusive vision: “This will be an organisation that exists for poetry in all its diverse forms: for creators, listeners and readers.” The Centre aims to serve as a cultural beacon for diverse communities across the British Isles, promoting open access to the arts and celebrating the multitude of languages and cultures that shape contemporary British society.
The project has garnered substantial support from key stakeholders, including Arts Council England, West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, the University of Leeds and Leeds City Council. Arts Council England’s Chief Executive, Darren Henley, praised the initiative’s potential impact: “This development will be transformative, both for the artform and for Leeds, fuelling creativity and significantly boosting the economy.”
Ruth Pitt, Chair of the National Poetry Centre, emphasised poetry’s modern relevance: “Poetry is enjoying a huge revival, especially among young people, and its short-form nature is particularly well suited to the digital age.” The Centre’s development has been further bolstered by recent support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which enabled research into poetry’s role in UK heritage across various cultural traditions.
Local MP Alex Sobel celebrated the funding confirmation, noting its particular significance for young people nationwide. The project, set to become an anchor institution in Leeds’ Inclusive Growth strategy, represents a major milestone in Britain’s cultural infrastructure and its commitment to nurturing creative expression across generations.
