The National Poetry Centre planned for Leeds, which was announced by Simon Armitage as one of his ambitions as poet laureate, has received a £5 million funding boost from the government’s Department for Levelling Up. The National Poetry Centre will be located on the edge of Leeds University’s campus in Trinity St David’s Church – which is also a former nightclub  – on Woodhouse Lane. It is planned to open in 2027.

Simon Armitage, who is also Leeds University’s Professor of Poetry, said: “My highest ambition when appointed poet laureate was to create a national home for poetry in my native West Yorkshire. The award of £5 million from the Department of Levelling Up is a huge step forward in the building of the National Poetry Centre in Leeds; I’m thrilled that so many people see the good and the sense in this idea, and excited to be confidently planning the next stage of development.”

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Leeds University’s Interim Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “This funding will advance the National Poetry Centre’s plans to provide a space that offers an extensive poetry collection with research facilities, rehearsal and performance spaces, opportunities for writers to exchange ideas, event spaces for literary prizes and a wide range of facilities and activities to encourage people of every age and background to enjoy poetry in all its many forms.”

Professor Ben Walmsley, Dean of Cultural Engagement at the University of Leeds and Director of the Centre for Cultural Value, said: “As we rethink what poetry means and who it’s for, and continue to develop and diversify our cultural partnerships, this collaboration will bring us closer to the city’s communities, offering an accessible space for everyone to enjoy regardless of language, background and education.”

The project has taken four years to develop. The National Poetry Centre says on its website that it “was made possible thanks to the unwavering support of our partners Arts Council England, the University of Leeds, Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority who have backed and encouraged the NPC through the pandemic.

“The award from DLUHC will help create the country’s first dedicated national headquarters for poetry – a unique space for awards, events, study areas, major performances, exhibitions, workshops, gatherings, literary organisations, open-mic nights, a library, state-of-the-art collections and archives. A place where visitors can find new ways to express their thoughts and feelings in written and spoken words.”