Harlow music school and ‘cultural quarter’ to benefit from £20m boost

Nearly £20m in government funding will help “transform” part of Essex into a new arts and cultural quarter, a council has said.

According to the council, the money would be used for a new music school, venue, and art gallery at College Square, Harlow.

The government said more than 100 UK projects would benefit from £2.1bn.

Dan Swords, Harlow Council’s Conservative deputy chief leader, stated that the scheme would “improve people’s lives.”

‘Strengthened’

“This is an historic moment for the revitalization of the town center,” stated Mr Swords.

“There is overwhelming support from the public and other stakeholders for this scheme. This clearly supports our bid.”

According to the council, the money will also be used for upgrades at Harlow Playhouse.

The local authority made a failed bid with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) for the £20m funding in 2021.

A DLUHC spokesman said a further £19.6m would be spent “reimagining” Colchester’s cycle routes and another £20m would go towards 28 affordable homes and and adult learning space in Clacton-on-Sea on brownfield land.

In the same announcement, were listed additional projects such as a Waltham Cross skatepark and an outdoor gym, in Hertfordshire, and an entrance and footbridge at Peterborough’s railway station. There was also regeneration at North Quay, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and new bus routes and cycle paths in King’s Lynn.

Prime Minister Rishi sunak declared the latest announcement Would “spread chance”.

Lisa Nandy (the Labour Party’s shadow levelling-up secretary), previously accused the government of abandoning its levelling up agenda.

It was reported that she had spoken at the Institute for Government conference on Tuesday. the levelling up missions were “fundamentally dishonest” They lacked ambition and clarity.

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