VENUE Cymru in Llandudno has been awarded £10million in the Chancellor’s Spring Budget 2024.

Jeremy Hunt revealed that £100 million for levelling up culture projects will be set aside for nationally significant culture projects across Great Britain.

£10million will be provided to Venue Cymru for the transformation into an Arts and Conference venue. This is part of the original Aberconwy Futures Levelling Up bid.

Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council said: “We are delighted Venue Cymru’s plans to deliver enhanced facilities have been recognised by UK Government as a nationally significant project. Arts and culture are of huge importance in delivering a positive economic impact and in supporting the wellbeing of our communities. 

"Venue Cymru welcomes visitors from around the UK and internationally every year, delivering over £30m in economic benefit to local businesses as well as offering visitors and our local community an exciting, diverse range of cultural events and activities.  

"We look forward to working with UK Government over the next few weeks to understand the details of the offer and to progress the project to the next stage.”

Robin Millar, MP for Aberconwy, said: “Venue Cymru is a much-loved local theatre and this investment will ensure it continues to act as an anchor institution for the region’s creative industries.

“Enhancing the facilities will improve the visitor experience and ensure the theatre offers the highest standards of technical provision to visiting theatre, TV and film production companies into the next decade.

"Improvements to the building fabric and structure will also ensure it can deliver the best level of support for large scale events. Along with the millions invested locally into hotels and North Wales’ growing reputation as a centre for adventure activities, this investment puts Venue Cymru on the map as a leading conference centre with a unique and competitive offer for the UK.

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“I pay tribute to the economic development team at Conwy County Borough Council for patiently making the case for this important investment for several years," Mr Millar added.

"Visitors for shows and events benefit hotels and businesses across the whole town and local area.

“The [budget] announcement follows £18.6 million investment in key infrastructure projects up the Conwy Valley and recent awards from the UK Shared Prosperity funding for projects across Aberconwy."