Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Burnley and Padiham MP Antony Higginbotham raised the importance of local historical sites Towneley Hall and the Empire Theatre on Lower St James Street.
Speaking in the Chamber Antony Higginbotham MP said:
Culture and heritage are so important to our local communities and that’s particularly the case in my constituency of Burnley and Padiham.
We’ve got some real gems like Towneley Hall and Burnley Empire Theatre – the latter of which once restored would be a real benefit to our town centre. But it is in need of regeneration and restoration.
So could I ask what the Department [for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport] is doing to help communities restore some of these assets so we can make them better.
Responding the Secretary of State for Culture, Nadine Dorries MP said:
I thank my Honourable Gentleman for raising that very important question. Historic and cultural buildings like the Empire and Towneley Hall are at the heart of our communities and we’re determined to protect them for future generations .
I’m pleased that 8 organisations in his constituency received just over £1 million from the Cultural Recovery Fund, as well as £20 million from the Levelling Up Fund. And a grant of over a £1 million through Historic England’s Highstreet Heritage Action Zone Initiative.
I’d urge the Honourable Member to contact Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to explore further funding opportunities.
Commenting afterwards Antony said:
Towneley Hall and the Empire Theatre are cultural gems within our borough and I am determined to do what I can, as a Member of Parliament, to champion what they add to our area and find ways of funding the repairs that are needed.
I’ve seen for myself the work that is currently underway at the Empire and have to pay tribute to the Empire Theatre Trust for everything they are doing to restore this once great building to its former glory.
Renovation on this scale will undoubtedly take a long time but I’m determined to do all that I can to help and will be following up with a letter to both Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund to see if any further funding is available to continue with this important work.
