Image: A design for The Central Hall at National Railway Museum (Feilden Fowles)
York politicians battle to save £15m redevelopment at National Railway Museum after Labour government signals potential funding withdrawal from cultural projects
Two local politicians in York are urging the government to reconsider plans which could put the redevelopment of the National Railway Museum at risk.
£15m in ‘Levelling Up’ funding had been committed to the museum, first announced last spring under Rishi Sunak’s government.
The National Railway Museum was named as one of six ‘Nationally Significant Projects’ to be allocated funding, alongside the likes of the Victoria and Albert Museum Dundee, and Leeds’ Poetry Centre.
Following Labour’s first budget in autumn, it said there was a “need to make savings,” adding that it was “minded to withdraw funding” from these Levelling Up Culture Projects.
The government said it will consult with organisations before making final decisions.
Now, York and North Yorkshire Mayor David Skaith and the leader of City of York Council, Cllr Claire Douglas, are calling on the government to recommit to the £15m pledge.
They have written to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner to ask that the development continue to be funded.
David Skaith said: “The National Railway Museum is the jewel in the crown of Yorkshire museums. This funding is essential both to the museum and the York Central development.
“The York Central designs put NRM at the heart of the development, centred around Museum Square.
“It is an essential part of delivering over 3,000 new homes, 40% of which will be affordable and social rent, contributing to more than 6,000 new jobs and up to £1.6bn in economic value to the region.
“We’re calling on the Government to ensure York and North Yorkshire can unlock this opportunity and provide long-term growth and prosperity.”
Cllr Douglas added: “We want to see funding from the Government confirmed to allow the National Railway Museum to get on with delivering its masterplan.
“This will ensure it builds on its international reputation and help support future growth in York’s visitor economy.
“This is a nationally significant project and a key part of the regeneration of the York Central site.
“It’s vital to the National Railway Museum’s future that it can modernise the visitor experience and attract millions more people through its doors in the years ahead, cementing its status as one of the most visited attractions in the north of England.”
The two are expected to raise the issue at a meeting with the minister for local growth, Alex Norris.
