The North East mayor’s office grants £130,000 to The Common Room in Newcastle, aiming to secure its future amid financial struggles
After a big restoration, The Common Room reopened in 2021, but it’s been tough since then. The pandemic and rising costs hit hard, and they had to ask for help to stay afloat.
Recent reports show they owe a lot of money, over £720,000 to Newcastle City Council and another £1.6 million to the North East Local Enterprise Partnership. The new funding is hoped to give them some breathing room to sort things out.
Matt Boyle, the chair of the board, feels more optimistic now. He mentioned they’re exploring different options to secure the venue’s future. The grant will help them make necessary changes and get back on track.
However, half of the grant is tied to showing progress in finding more funding or possibly merging with another charity. The local authority is keeping a close eye on how things develop.
Recently, the venue hosted a meeting with regional leaders, including the deputy prime minister, which shows its importance in the community. The council has also agreed to a two-year break on loan repayments, which is a relief for The Common Room.
It’s a tough time, but with this support, there’s hope for a brighter future for The Common Room in Newcastle.
