Finance boost for Amelia Scott project

On Friday 19 November we received the very welcome news that The Amelia Scott project in Royal Tunbridge Wells had been awarded £1.4m by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) in recognition of the pressures the project has faced as a result of Brexit, Covid and supply chain issues. The funding is a huge boost for the project which is on track to open in spring 2022.

William Benson, Chief Executive, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said:

We couldn’t be more delighted with this news. The refurbished and extended building is looking absolutely fantastic, and this funding will ensure that it can be fitted out to a high standard and play a vital and significant role in promoting the economic recovery from the Covid pandemic. As a destination town, Royal Tunbridge Wells relies heavily on the visitor economy and The Amelia Scott will play a pivotal role in attracting visitors to the town and supporting local shops, restaurants and other venues. It will also support local employers attract and retain staff and respond to the challenges being faced by the high street.

Stephanie Holt-Castle, Director for Growth and Communities Kent County Council said:

We are delighted to have secured £1.4m from the Getting Building Fund. The fund was announced to deliver jobs, skills and infrastructure and this project does all three. It could not have come at a better time as we look to boost economic growth and fuel the local recovery. It is going to be a truly exceptional space in which people can learn, reconnect and be inspired.

The Amelia Scott is a £21m project being delivered in partnership with Kent County Council, the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Arts Council England to integrate and extend a range of cultural and learning facilities in the town including a library, museum, art gallery and adult education. It is expected to attract nearly 500,000 visits each year and 18,000 learners on the site, and be a showcase for learning, culture and the arts.