Government backs National Poetry Centre on Leeds campus

The National Poetry Centre, which will be based on the University of Leeds campus and led by the Poet Laureate, has received significant funding from the Government

The National Poetry Centre will be located on the city-facing edge of the University’s campus in Trinity St David’s Church – a former nightclub known at various times as ‘Quilted Llama’ and ‘Church’ – on Woodhouse Lane. 

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announced a £5 million investment for the Centre yesterday. 

The University has a historically significant relationship with poetry and we are extremely proud to see Leeds being recognised by the Government as a national hub for this versatile art form.

This funding will advance the National Poetry Centre’s plans to provide a space that offers an extensive poetry collection with research facilities, rehearsal and performance spaces, opportunities for writers to exchange ideas, event spaces for literary prizes and a wide range of facilities and activities to encourage people of every age and background to enjoy poetry in all its many forms. 

Led by Poet Laureate and the University’s Professor of Poetry Simon Armitage, the independent charity will work with partners including the University, Leeds City Council and Arts Council England to give poetry a national home in Yorkshire.  

My highest ambition when appointed Poet Laureate was to create a national home for poetry in my native West Yorkshire.

Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds – and a published poet – said:  “The University has a historically significant relationship with poetry and we are extremely proud to see Leeds being recognised by the Government as a national hub for this versatile art form, which has roots stretching across nations and cultures. We recognise that investment in arts and culture, especially that which expands accessibility, is a key part of our ambition to make a positive difference to the world. 

“The National Poetry Centre will provide a space where everyone can engage with the art form, cultivate interdisciplinary collaboration and celebrate new voices.” 

Working closely with the University’s Cultural Institute and Special Collections, the new centre will tap into the seat of learning’s pioneering research, vast literary collections and its legacy of engaging with acclaimed poets.  

The School of English, which offers degrees in Creative Writing taught by internationally recognised poets and authors, will collaborate with the centre to provide placement opportunities for students, and to carry out joint research projects and creative outreach activities. 

Simon Armitage, Poet Laureate and Professor of Poetry, said: “My highest ambition when appointed Poet Laureate was to create a national home for poetry in my native West Yorkshire. The award of five million pounds from the Department of Levelling Up is a huge step forward in the building of the National Poetry Centre in Leeds; I’m thrilled that so many people see the good and the sense in this idea, and excited to be confidently planning the next stage of development.” 

It is intended the venue will become a visitor destination for literary and poetry fans worldwide, hosting over 300 events annually and with a projected footfall of one hundred thousand people.

Professor Ben Walmsley is Dean of Cultural Engagement at the University of Leeds and Director of the Centre for Cultural Value. He said: “The University of Leeds is a key part of the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, and it’s fantastic that the legacy of our Professor of Poetry and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage will continue in the form of a national cultural organisation at the city-facing edge of our main campus, backed by significant government investment. 

“As we rethink what poetry means and who it’s for, and continue to develop and diversify our cultural partnerships, this collaboration will bring us closer to the city’s communities, offering an accessible space for everyone to enjoy regardless of language, background and education.”

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: “We are proud to have worked with the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the University of Leeds and Arts Council England to progress the new centre, which sits within the city’s Innovation Arc and aims to develop and nurture the art form of poetry in a globally significant facility at the former Trinity St David’s church on Woodhouse Lane. It is intended the venue will become a visitor destination for literary and poetry fans worldwide, hosting over 300 events annually and with a projected footfall of one hundred thousand people.” 

The National Poetry Centre is currently undergoing a recruitment process for its new Director, whose appointment is due to be announced later this year.

Further information 

Email University of Leeds Press Officer Mia Saunders at m.saunders@leeds.ac.uk with media enquiries.