A £22 MILLION fundraising effort to refurbish Salisbury Playhouse is among causes to get a boost from new cultural funding.

Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet has approved a package of measures to support the future of Salisbury’s Cultural Quarter, including investment in the major refurbishment of the theatre, as well as plans to improve the public realm around the city’s cultural venues.

At a meeting on July 15, the Cabinet approved the inclusion of the Salisbury Cultural Quarter on the council’s Infrastructure List, recognising “its importance as cultural, community and public realm infrastructure that supports the vitality, attractiveness and sustainable growth of Salisbury”.

Councillors also agreed to allocate £1m of Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding to the first phase of Wiltshire Creative’s ‘the transformation of Salisbury Playhouse’ programme.

The authority will also commit underwriting up to £3m to support Wiltshire Creative’s fundraising campaign for the first phase of the project, subject to legal and financial requirements.

It comes after the appeal was awarded £3m from Arts Council England’s Creative Foundations Fund, designed to help unlock additional investment from charitable trusts, philanthropic donors and others.

The first phase of ‘The transformation of Salisbury Playhouse’ programme will address essential infrastructure needs at the Playhouse, including repairs to the building fabric, improvements to accessibility, and upgrades to mechanical and electrical systems, helping secure the long-term future of the venue.

Cabinet also noted ongoing work to develop public realm improvements to Malthouse Lane, using eligible Section 106 funding, to create “a more attractive and better-connected cultural destination linking the Playhouse, City Hall, Fisherton Street and the wider city centre”.

Cllr Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Salisbury Playhouse is a hugely important cultural asset, not just for Salisbury but for Wiltshire and the wider region.

“Cabinet’s decision recognises the Cultural Quarter’s vital role in supporting the city’s economy, community life and attractiveness as a place to live, work and visit.

“By supporting the first phase of ‘The transformation of Salisbury Playhouse’ programme, we are helping to unlock substantial external investment while securing the long-term future of an important venue.”

Rosa Corbishley, executive director at Wiltshire Creative, added: “This is a fantastic vote of confidence in Salisbury Playhouse and the positive difference it makes to our region.

“Each year we provide unmissable experiences for audiences, unique opportunities for artists, and nurture emerging talent through our vital youth education work.

“We welcome over 200,000 people into the building each year – this investment will help make the Playhouse fit to welcome many more, for decades to come. Our transformation will facilitate life-changing cultural experiences for all across Wiltshire and beyond, and we look forward to working closely with the council as we bring our exciting plans to life.”

The Cultural Quarter, comprising Salisbury Playhouse, City Hall, Malthouse Lane and Priory Square, is identified in a range of adopted planning and regeneration strategies as a key contributor to Salisbury city centre’s growth and vitality.

Independent research cited in the Cabinet report found Salisbury’s cultural sector contributes £52m in annual economic impact, supporting nearly 700 jobs.

READ MORE: New £22 million Salisbury Playhouse refurb appeal launched