A new Centre for Writing and Publishing has received £10.5m to create a central hub for the publishing sector in the North.
The most recent backing comes from Northumbria University and the North East Mayor and is in addition to previous award from the Government’s Cultural Development Fund (£5m) and Newcastle City Council (£1m).
A further £2m from the North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, is set for approval this month.
Planned for launch in 2029, the centre is set to be based at the Grade II listed Old Post Office, opposite Newcastle Cathedral and will house the university’s English, Creative Writing and Publishing courses.
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“The creative industries are one of the eight priority sectors in the Government’s Industrial Strategy and a key focus for Skills England – and the Centre for Writing and Publishing is a flagship project that puts Northumbria University and the North East at the heart of that national ambition,” said Professor Andy Long, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Northumbria University.
“The University is committed to investing in things that make a difference. The Centre will provide Northumbria students with exceptional opportunities for experiential learning, projects, placements and networking with commercial and independent publishers, cultural and creative arts organisations and independent writers and artists.
“It will open doors for careers in the publishing industry and beyond, further evidence of Northumbria’s commitment to ensuring all students graduate with the skills, connections and confidence needed for their future careers.”
The University already runs an MA Publishing degree in partnership with publisher Hachette UK and New Writing North.
The centre will also house start-up, commercial and charitable publishers, businesses and organisations, as well as an audiobook production studio, creative space for TV and film producers and developers, a café, independent bookshop and event spaces.
“With this investment, we will take a step closer to securing a home for the Centre and opening the doors to opportunities for the next generation of writers, publishers and creatives that will share our region’s stories,” added North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness.
Claire Malcolm, founder and Chief Executive of New Writing North said:
“Writing underpins not just publishing but film, TV, audio, gaming, music, theatre, news and media. The Centre will enable great writing to happen here in Newcastle. A high-quality skills and development offer for writers and a dynamic public programme in the Centre will show aspiring writers, children and young people that they can have a sustained and successful creative career in the region.”
