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Lyric Theatre awarded £170,000 from Arts Council England
Tuesday 14 April 2026
The Friends of The Lyric C.I.C. (community interest company) that runs The Lyric Theatre, Bridport has been successfully allocated £170,000 from Arts Council England Creative Foundations Fund toward its major capital 3-phase renovation plan commencing with urgent repairs and improvements to the roof.
These essential upgrades will make the building safer, warmer and more sustainable, while creating better spaces for artists and audiences. Phase 1 of the capital plans (2026–27) will fully refurbish the failing roof, preventing further damage to the historic building fabric, at the same time adding insulation to significantly improve thermal performance. Alongside this, interventions will be made throughout the building to improve accessibility. The project also begins the refurbishment of the existing workshop and the creation of new artist studios, to provide affordable work spaces for local creatives whilst generating additional income for the theatre. Phase 2 and 3 (accessible toilets, artists’ studios, improved interiors, artist accommodation) will follow. We have 70% of the roof budget now raised and are fund-raising to achieve the remainder PLUS for the next phases of improvements.
Quote from Niki McCretton, Artistic Director
‘We are thrilled and delighted to be one of only 8 grants in the South West from this fund. This grant enables the first phase of an exciting programme of upgrades to this wonderful 275 year old listed and beloved hub of creativity in Bridport. The roof is a piece of architectural heritage and once repaired, we can expand what we do to support our communities of artists, audiences and young people to take part in and experience great performances. Our resident company Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company are continuing to grow their work, taking ideas from local children into their shows that are now performed as far away as China. Their new TV show Joy’s Place is set in The Lyric and, again working with local children will reach a world wide audience.
We cannot wait to begin The Lyric’s transformation!’
Phil Gibby, South West Area Director, Arts Council England said
“This support will safeguard much‑loved venues, from major galleries and civic museums to community hubs, heritage sites and producing theatres.
“It’s about far more than buildings – it’s about enabling artists, audiences and communities to thrive, because creativity enriches all of our lives.”
Creative Foundations Fund South West full list of recipients:
● TwoCan Inclusive Theatre Company – £283,169
● Taunton Theatre Association Ltd – £527,083
● Wiltshire Creative – £3,000,000
● Friends of the Lyric CIC – £170,000 (ONE OF EIGHT IN THE SOUTH WEST)
● Newlyn Art Gallery Ltd – £726,599
● Theatre Royal (Plymouth) Ltd – £8,356,000
● Music Venue Properties – £999,000
● Trinity Community Arts – £390,000
Background:
Earlier this year, the Culture Secretary committed up to £1.5 billion to the cultural sector over this parliament, with the Arts Everywhere Fund aiming to save more than 1,000 cherished arts venues, museums, libraries and heritage buildings across England.
Today’s £18.5 million for the South West which is administered and delivered by Arts Council England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is made up of three funds:
● The Creative Foundations Fund (CFF) has allocated £14.4 million to eight arts and cultural venues to help theatres, performing arts venues, galleries and grassroots music venues address urgent infrastructure needs across the South West. In this round, benefitting organisations include Wiltshire Creative, which has been awarded £3,000,000 to refurbish the Salisbury Playhouse, renovating the roof and making accessibility improvements to ensure the building can best serve audiences.
● The Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) has allocated a share of £3.5 million to support Bristol Museums. In this round, the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery will receive £3,567,713 for urgent repairs to the roof and exterior of the building, ensuring the best conditions for its collection for years to come. In total the fund has supported 150 local museums over the past four years.
● The Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF) has allocated a share of £646,000 to three library services across the South West to help upgrade buildings and technology to better meet the needs of the community. The fund has already supported 95 projects across England over five years and this round will support organisations such as £200,000 awarded to Devon City Council, where open access technology will be installed in 10 libraries to allow them to be more flexible and accessible spaces for their local communities.
Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:
“I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across the South West are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation.
“Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit twelve culture venues, museums, and library services across the South West.
“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities, they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of the South West.”
