New Writing North, a charity based in the North East of England, is making waves with their ambitious plan to create a national writing centre in Newcastle. The proposed Centre for Writing, to be located at Bolbec Hall in Westgate Road, aims to support community writing and reading initiatives while nurturing local talent.
The charity is seeking £5m from the government’s Cultural Development Fund to help make this vision a reality. Claire Malcolm, CEO of New Writing North, believes that this investment will be crucial in developing a new generation of writers and creatives in the region.
“I want young people here to be able to grow up to be publishers, writers, and creatives without presuming they need to leave the North East to achieve their ambition,” Malcolm stated.
If approved, the Centre for Writing would not only provide support for professional writers and publishing businesses but also create a hub of creative talent in the north of England. This move aims to decentralize the concentration of creative industries, which has historically been centered in London and the South East.
Partnerships with Northumbria University and support from publishing giants like Hachette UK, Faber & Faber, and Simon and Schuster have bolstered the funding bid. Additionally, Labour’s North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has thrown her weight behind the project, emphasizing the potential for economic growth and the amplification of the region’s creative voice.
The restoration of Bolbec Hall, a Grade II listed building next to The Lit and Phil, is also part of the plan, showcasing a commitment to preserving the region’s cultural heritage. With a strong coalition of supporters and a clear vision for the future, New Writing North is poised to transform the literary landscape of the North East.
