£3.5m funding bid for The Coro revamp is rejected
A bid for up to £3.5 million to improve The Coro in Ulverston has failed.
Westmorland and Furness Council applied to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the money.
The council wanted to expand The Coro’s role in the town. Plans included more space for arts, culture, library services and community events.
However, the fund did not approve the bid. The council said there was strong demand for a limited amount of money.
Despite the result, the council said it still plans to improve the building.
Council says plans will continue
Councillor Helen Chaffey said the decision was disappointing.
She said the funding would have allowed the council to move ahead with a larger scheme.
However, she added that the rejection would not end plans for The Coro.
The council will now work on a business case. This will look at what work is possible and how it could be paid for.
Councillor Chaffey said the council would also use feedback from local people when shaping the next stage of the plans.
Work has already taken place
The Coro has already received several upgrades.
These include a new sound system and work on the heating and hot water systems.
The building has also received new stage lighting. The lights use less energy than the old system.
New ceiling lights have also been fitted.
The council said these changes have improved the venue and cut its energy use.
Local people helped shape the bid
The funding bid was based on views from people across Ulverston.
A local working group helped the council develop the plans.
The group included Ulverston Town Council, local businesses and arts groups.
It also included groups that support disabled people and other members of the community.
Hundreds of people shared their views.
The council used online and paper surveys. It also held public meetings and local events.
Staff spoke to people at a market stall in the town centre.
Artist Mollie Ray also turned local ideas into a comic art display.
A double-decker bus bar was placed outside The Coro during a sold-out comedy show. This gave visitors another way to share their views.
The council also worked with schools, youth groups and local organisations.
Why did the bid fail?
The National Lottery Heritage Fund gave positive feedback on the plans.
It said the project was well developed and had strong public support.
However, The Coro faced strong competition.
Other bids involved important historic buildings that were seen as being at risk.
The fund said the final choice came down to the heritage value of each site.
This meant other projects were given greater priority.
What happens next?
The council said the work done so far will still help future plans.
It now has a clearer view of what local people want from The Coro.
The council will continue to speak with residents and community groups.
Its cabinet will also review the failed bid and discuss the next steps.
The authority has not yet confirmed when new plans will be announced or how much money may be available.
