Heywood venue to receive nearly £700,000 from Arts Council England

Tuesday, 31 May 2022 17:10

By Lily McVeigh

Heywood’s civic centre is set for a revamp after Rochdale Borough Council is awarded a large financial boost of £696,000 from Arts Council England.

The money will bring a physical and digital transformation to the centre, with hopes of improving its access to the public and environmental impact, whilst offering even more opportunities for local people in its relocation to the centre of Heywood.

Cartwheel Arts, connected to the centre, have hopes the grant will create new opportunities for the community, by encouraging people to get involved in the arts.

Opened in the 1970s, Heywood Civic Centre is a multi-purpose entertainment and meeting venue. It is celebrated for its stage facilities, holding live music and theatre productions and is host to a regular programme of events, national tours, dance and leisure activities.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, thanked Arts Council England for their generosity: “This is fantastic news, and we are very proud our application was successful.

"We are grateful to Arts Council England for this award, one of the largest grants from the scheme in the country. The centre is one of the town’s primary event and community activity spaces but is in need of updating.

"I think this funding demonstrates the faith and commitment they have in our plans for Heywood Civic Centre.”

Improvements have been made over the years, but this investment will enable a major upgrade to the centre.

Estelle Rowe, deputy CEO and director of finance at Your Trust spoke about her delight for this new development: "This is so exciting as it means Heywood Civic Centre will be able to do so much more and we can improve the overall experience for visitors.”

Darren Henley, chief executive at Arts Council England, added: “World class creativity and culture needs a resilient and sustainable infrastructure to allow it to flourish.

"With these investments in the buildings, equipment, and digital systems of cultural organisations across England, we are helping to secure the future of that infrastructure and making sure that people from every part of the country can continue enjoying all the benefits it delivers for years to come.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Charity Santa’s sleigh run hit by online abuse from ‘shameful, entitled parents’

It’s a tradition bringing smiles, joy and cheer to hundreds of families in the run up to Christmas. But the volunteers behind Radcliffe Rotary Santa Sleigh run say they have been forced to endure ‘rude or inappropriate comments about their efforts’.
Flood alert issued for Rochdale and Bury as heavy rain continues across Greater Manchester

Residents warned to be prepared as river levels rise in wake of persistent rainfall.
Bury FC part company with Michael Jolley days after managerial appointment following backlash

Bury Football Club has confirmed that Michael Jolley has been relieved of his duties as first team manager by mutual consent just days after taking up the role.
A candid conversation at Roch Valley Radio with Colin Lambert on truth, trust and local media

On Saturday 6th December, I spent a couple of hours at Roch Valley Radio with Tim, Dave and Dean.
Rochdale Scouts to represent UK at World Scout Jamboree in Poland

Eleven young people from across Rochdale have been selected to represent the borough, and the UK, at the World Scout Jamboree 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland.
GMP cracks down on internal corruption in proactive investigation into officer misconduct

Eight officers and two staff under investigation over inappropriate contact with sex workers as Greater Manchester Police steps up efforts to root out those unfit to serve.
Rochdale Council launches consultation on changes to Council Tax Support Scheme

Proposed changes include lowering the maximum discount from 85% to 80% and reducing the number of income bands, as the council seeks to balance its budget amidst ongoing cuts to government funding.
Live music debuts at Theatre Royal with acclaimed Manchester act

Ramsbottom’s Theatre Royal has launched its first ever live music event, welcoming Manchester swing artist Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s to a packed and appreciative audience.
71 dogs and puppies rescued from suspected illegal breeders in Bury

Dozens of dogs and puppies have been rescued and rehomed following a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) investigation into suspected illegal puppy breeding and sales in Bury.
£1m cannabis farm dismantled by GMP officers in Heywood raid

A man has been arrested after officers uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm in the centre of Heywood, with a potential street value of £1 million.
AFC Supporters comic Poem written about Rochdale's last match called Muddy Hell!

Following a costly spell of mid-season maintenance brought on by unplayable conditions resembling a mud bath, Rochdale AFC’s pitch is now undergoing full renovation.
Bury GPs urge parents to vaccinate children against flu ahead of Christmas

Doctors warn that unvaccinated children could endanger grandparents and vulnerable relatives during festive family gatherings