Questions asked on Lowry 'crisis'

INSTITUTION BIDDING FOR £8.5M REVAMP FUNDS

- By DECLAN CAREY

QUESTIONS have been asked about how the Lowry was allowed to reach 'such a crisis point' needing £10m to pay for major works to 'prevent closure!

A bombshell report at the start of September revealed the arts and theatre venue is in need of urgent support, looking for 'substantial investment to continue operating'.

The venue warned that serious deterioration has left it needing a revamp, with upgrades to the lifts and boilers included in the plans.

In light of the concerns, the Lowry is bidding for £8.5m from the Arts Council England Creative Foundations Fund.

Councillors in Salford voted yesterday to back the bid with £1.5m of its own money, stressing that a 'major refurbishment' was required at the 25-year-old building.

This followed support from Salford mayor Paul Dennett and his cabinet team, who urged councillors to back the bid.