£130,000 lifeline for Ludlow Assembly Rooms

Ludlow Assembly Rooms has been awarded £130,000 today by the Government's Culture Recovery Fund.

The Capital Kickstart grants will help cultural organisations across the country cover additional costs, caused by Covid-related delays or fundraising shortfalls, to their capital projects, including building works, refurbishments and large-scale equipment purchases. £130,000 has been awarded to Ludlow Assembly Rooms from the programme to help a project which will help to strengthen the region’s cultural infrastructure.

Ludlow Assembly Rooms is redeveloping its site by moving the main entrance to Castle Square and opening up the grand staircase. The Box Office and Visitor Information Centre will be combined and a new café serving local produce will be created for everyone to enjoy. The installation of a lift and ground floor toilet facilities will widen access to the venue. Much-needed upgrades to water and heating systems will help improve the environment reducing maintenance costs for the future.

Gareth Williams, Chair of Ludlow Assembly Rooms said: “Throughout our long period of closure for building works and then Coronavirus, we have stood by the community and Ludlow and by our hardworking staff.  This funding means we can look ahead with confidence to being able to reopen in the spring, even if we still have small amounts of money to raise to finish the task we have set ourselves.”

Helen Hughes, Voluntary CEO of Ludlow Assembly Rooms said: “These last few months have been extraordinarily difficult for both the Trustees who manage the charity and for the staff, who have been unstinting in their support.  This funding will act as a springboard for the opening of this much loved facility for the whole community of Ludlow.”

Peter Knott, Area Director, Arts Council England said: "We're pleased to be supporting Ludlow Assembly Rooms to make their building more accessible, allowing more people to enjoy arts and culture. With changes to the main entrance and the box office as well as the addition of a new café, the visitor offer will be significantly upgraded.  The grant will also ensure the building becomes more environmentally friendly with upgrades to water and heating systems.