More millions take Writing Centre plan to exciting new chapter
'Boost' for creative economy
Newcastle’s new Centre for Writing and Publishing has taken another stride from wish list to reality with significant investment from Northumbria University and the prospect of similar from the North East Combined Authority.
With £2.5 million investment in the project confirmed by the university and £2 million set for approval by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, a steadfast supporter, the total raised stands at £10.5 million.
That’s enough to buy and redevelop the favoured location, the Grade II-listed Old Post Office on St Nicholas Street, opposite the cathedral, although this is still subject to agreement.
The bulk of the money came a while ago, a £5 million from the Government’s cultural development fund building on £1 million pledged by Newcastle City Council.
The plan, forged by New Writing North with Northumbria University as a longtime partner, is for a hub in the region for the publishing industry, a place where writers, publishers, academics and the public can share a love of words under one roof.
The intention is for it to house the university’s courses in English, creative writing and publishing along with facilities including an audiobook production studio, a café, an independent bookshop and event spaces.
There will also be creative space for those working in film and television.
A launch in 2029 is the hope if things go according to plan.
A news release from the university states that the Centre “will create significant opportunities for impactful research, positioning Northumbria as a national and international leader with a growing global reputation for writing and publishing”.
Prof Andy Long, university vice-chancellor and chief executive, said: “The creative industries are one of the eight priority sectors in the Government’s industrial strategy and a key focus for Skills England – and the Centre for Writing and Publishing is a flagship project that puts Northumbria University and the North East at the heart of that national ambition.
“The university is committed to investing in things that make a difference.
“The Centre will provide Northumbria students with exceptional opportunities for experiential learning, projects, placements and networking with commercial and independent publishers, cultural and creative arts organisations and independent writers and artists.”
He said investing in the Centre meant Northumbria would be playing a leading role in building “a world-class creative industries cluster right here in our region, channelling investment and opportunity into an area with exceptional talent and attracting more industry partners to the region”.
Furthermore, it would “provide wider engagement with writing and publishing industries for local people, especially those from under-represented communities, and address regional imbalances in the writing industries”.
Kim McGuinness said: “We have so many creative talents in the North East but for too long there haven’t been the opportunities they deserved. I have promised to fix that.
“This week we have confirmed groundbreaking projects that will establish the North East as a powerhouse for creative industries, providing our young people with world-class opportunities to develop their talents and careers right here in the region.
“With this investment, we will take a step closer to securing a home for the Centre and opening the doors to opportunities for the next generation of writers, publishers and creatives that will share our region’s stories.”
Claire Malcolm, founding chief executive of New Writing North, expressed delight at the project’s endorsement by the university, the North East Mayor and the city council.
“Writing underpins not just publishing but film, TV, audio, gaming, music, theatre, news and media,” she said.
“The Centre will enable great writing to happen here in Newcastle.
“A high quality skills and development offer for writers and a dynamic public programme in the Centre will show aspiring writers, children and young people that they can have a sustained and successful creative career in the region.”
Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour said this was “a great example of partnership working in our region” that would create jobs and boost the economy.