Proposed entrance pavilion to International Slavery Museum Source:&nbsp FCBSThe government is likely to scrap funding for Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) Liverpool museums plans, along with cash pots promised to other major Northern projects In last weeks Budget (30 October), Labour said it was minded to cancel the as-yet unfunded Levelling Up Culture and Capital Projects which were announced in the previous governments final Budget earlier this year.The move throws into question a number of major projects planned in the North, including FCBSs proposed 58 million transformation of Liverpool Slavery and Maritime Museums, a new northern branch of the British Library in Leeds, and schemes for the National Railway Museum in York.FCBSs project for National Museums Liverpool (NML), which only received planning consent last month, was promised 10 million Levelling Up funding in the March budget from the Conservatives. It is relying on external funding and has secured other grants including 9.9 million National Lottery funding.Advertisement Source:FCBSEntrance Pavilion International Slavery MuseumMeanwhile, the British Library North, which is set to transform the Grade I-listed Temple Works in Leeds, was promised 10 million of Levelling Up cash, and the National Railway Museum in York was promised 15 million. Feilden Fowles is working on a new entrance hall and public face for the rail museum. It is unknown whether this scheme, known as the Central Hall project and originally scheduled to complete in July next year, will be affected.Further pots of 5 million, 2.6 million and 10 million had also been promised towards the National Poetry Centre In Leeds, the Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee, and Venue Cymru in Conwy, North Wales, respectively.The Labour government said the funding cuts would ensure investment is focused on the [governments] growth mission.Separately the government confirmed it would be providing funding for core Levelling Up Fund projects from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Governments (MHCLG), including 1 billion in 2025 and 2026 to revitalise high streets, town centres and communities. It said it will consult with potential funding recipients before making a final decision.AdvertisementFCBS said it was aware that its 10 million Levelling Up funding was under review following the Budget.A spokesperson for NML added: We will be consulting with colleagues in government, ensuring the local, national and international significance of this project is understood.'National Museums Liverpool and FCBS remain committed to this important and deeply impactful project, which has been years in development and has grown with the collaboration and guidance of many, including our community stakeholders.'The MP for Liverpool Riverside, Labours Kim Johnson, has contacted ministers to express her concern and disappointment in the decision, according to the i, in particular over the timing of the slavery museum funding pull during Black History Month.In Leeds, campaigners have expressed similar outrage at the potential funding pull for the National Poetry Centre, warning it could lead to a further 15 million loss of funding if other partners pull out. Project founder and poet laureate Simon Armitage said the funding would be devastating for culture and communities in the city.The British Library North project has been in the pipeline since 2020 when Temple Works, a listed former flax mill, was earmarked as the new home of the 8,000m facility. As yet, no architects have yet been named as working on the project.A spokesperson for the British Library said: Following the autumn Budget announcement, we are consulting with DCMS, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and regional partners to navigate the next steps.The British Library remains as committed as ever to working closely with communities in Leeds and West Yorkshire from our existing base in Boston Spa, and we are exploring a range of options to advance the British Library North project.Announcing theBudget to the House of Commons last week, chancellor of the exchequer Rachel Reeves promised major funding for housing, schools and HS2.She reiterated Labours pledge to rebuild Britain during a decade of low growth, insisting that increasing investment in building new infrastructure would be among seven key pillars of the governments growth strategy.2024-11-06Anna Highfieldcomment and share