A huge amount of money is needed to secure its future.
The Lowry welcomes visitors from across the world (Picture: MEN)
The Lowry has been handed a crucial lifeline in its fight to ‘prevent closure’ after councillors in Salford backed a bid for ‘critical’ funding.
A bombshell report published last week revealed the iconic arts and theatre venue in Salford Quays needs £10m in ‘substantial investment to continue operating’, with work needed to upgrade the infrastructure at the 25-year-old building.
The Lowry has been invited to make an application for £8.5m from the Arts Council England Creative Foundations Fund, in a bid set to be supported by £1.5m from Salford council.
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In a meeting today, Salford city mayor Paul Dennett and his cabinet team said it is ‘absolutely crucial’ that the Lowry gets the funding needed to secure its future.
The mayor said: “The building of the Lowry was the catalyst for the transformation of Salford Quays, it was the anchor institution that led to probably one of the most successful regeneration projects in the whole of Europe at the time.”
Salford Quays has been transformed in the last few decades (Picture: MEN)
Coun Mishal Saeed said the Lowry had a ‘huge impact’ on her own development when she was a student in Salford and organising speaking events.
“It’s not just an iconic building, but the opportunities it has for our communities are life changing.”
The cabinet recommended the council approve the £1.5m of funding to support the Lowry’s bid. The final decision will be taken at its next full council meeting.
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The work needed at the building includes replacing two ‘obsolete’ escalators with lifts, because these were out of service for 42 days in 2024 and affected 300,000 visitors.
It would also involve replacing ‘outdated’ boilers and chillers’ and reviewing fire safety systems.
A report on the works stated: ‘Much of the main plant has reached the end of its expected life cycle, making the building no longer fit for purpose.
‘The project aims to ensure that the Lowry building can continue to operate, be more sustainable and meet the needs of all its communities.’
Lowry chief executive Julia Fawcett said: “For 25 years, Lowry has been at the heart of cultural life in Greater Manchester, inspiring millions of visitors and transforming lives through creativity.
“Support from this government fund will help us thrive for the next 25 years. We’re delighted to have made it through the first stage of this application process, but we know the competition for funds will be tough.
“This investment will ensure Lowry can continue to deliver world-class art, vital community programmes, and significant economic impact for the next 25 years and beyond.”
The Lowry celebrated its 25th birthday this year and has welcomed more than 20m visitors through its door since opening in April 2000, attracting people from all over the world.