Cultural projects to receive share of £5m funding

The former Gala Bingo in Kettering is the focus of a transformation project

A series of cultural projects will share funding of £5m, a council has announced.

North Northamptonshire Council said the pot would be split between 10 organisations in the region.

They include the historic former Gala Bingo in Kettering, which is the focus of a long-awaited transformation scheme.

Jason Smithers, leader of the Conservative-led authority, said the money would "ignite local cultural projects" and breathe new life into communities.

It followed the authority appealing for groups to bid for the cash pot, supported by the government's levelling up agenda, in April.

The other successful applicants were:

• Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering

• Market House, Rothwell

• Desborough Heritage Centre

• Rushden Historical Transport Society

• Adrenaline Alley, Corby

• Sywell Country Park, Ecton

• Fermynwoods Contemporary Art, Kettering

• Chester House, Wellingborough

• Project M, Corby

The council said it would also allocate £500,000 of the money towards grant schemes for smaller cultural projects.

Desborough Heritage Centre is among the 10 successful applicants

Mr Smithers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the region was "poised for a cultural transformation".

"This investment is crucial for improving our cultural facilities, creating opportunities and building a sense of pride and belonging," he said.

The councillor added that the final funding was subject to confirmation from the government.

Once finalised, the council hoped it would be able to deliver the projects by March 2026.