Watford Borough Council has been awarded £3.7m government funding to help secure the sustainable long-term future of the Watford Colosseum and the Town Hall.
The money will support the installation of a range of energy efficiency measures in the 1930s, Grade II listed buildings and will make an important contribution to the council’s carbon neutral commitment for Watford by 2030.
The green grant funding, awarded by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, is also a significant boost to the council’s Town Hall Quarter programme.This major improvement scheme has identified the protection and enhancement of Watford’s heritage and cultural assets, which includes the Colosseum and Town Hall, as one of its top priorities.
The Colosseum is recognised as an outstanding entertainment and live performance venue, with internationally renowned acoustics and an exceptional history of acts who have performed on its stage.Over the next two years, the council is planning a significant programme of refurbishment and improvement to bring the Colosseum up to modern standards ensuring it continues as a popular Watford landmark, attracting great performers and artists.
Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford, said: “This is really positive news and the funding we have secured will support two of our ambitions for Watford. We are committed to being a vibrant, diverse and creative town with a range of cultural venues and performances for all our community.We also recognise the vital importance of tackling climate change, protecting the environment for generations to come by achieving carbon neutral in the next decade. Bringing the Colosseum up to modern energy related standards, as part of our overall plans for the venue, means it will be able to open its doors to audiences for many years to come.”
Comments