Government announces £42 million investment plan across Coventry and Warwickshire

Chancellor Philip Hammond has announced plans to invest £42.4 million across Coventry and Warwickshire as part of the Midlands Engine Strategy, which aims to improve economic productivity and quality of life in the region.

Part of this will go towards two major projects at Warwick University, with £2 million pledged to redeveloping the Arts centre and £11 million set aside for the creation of an Apprenticeship Academy.

The Academy, whose exact site is yet to be confirmed, will house an expanding programme run by the Warwick Manufacturing Group to provide over 1,000 degree-level apprenticeships with Jaguar Land Rover and various other companies.

The plans to extend and renew parts of the Arts Centre aim to increase capacity and broaden the range of performances and events held at the venue. They also hope to expand its scope to work with student-run societies and University courses.

Director at the Arts Centre Alan Rivett said he was “delighted” to have been awarded this grant, which, he felt, “shows a real commitment from Government in our plans to redevelop over the next three years.”

He added: “I believe supporting cultural and creative industries is a critical factor that contributes to a better quality of life in our region. Warwick Arts Centre is committed to not only investing in our building, but also supporting the next generation of artists, the people living and working in the city and county and contributing to Coventry’s bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021.”

The Midlands Engine has also allocated over £25 million for planned improvements on transport and infrastructure in Coventry and Warwickshire.

On announcing the strategy, Mr Hammond said: “The Midlands Engine Strategy is an important milestone, setting out the concrete actions we are taking, where we are not only investing in what it does well but also tackling some of the long-standing productivity barriers in the region including skills and connectivity.”