The Liverpool City Region has secured £25 million in government funding to support its creative industries. The investment, part of the Creative Places Growth Fund, aims to strengthen sectors such as film, television, music, and gaming over a three-year period starting in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- £25 Million Investment: The Liverpool City Region will receive this funding as part of the UK Government's Creative Places Growth Fund.
- Targeted Sectors: The investment will focus on high-growth areas including film, TV production, music, and the video game industry.
- Three-Year Plan: Funding will be distributed over three years, beginning in 2026, and managed by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.
- Strategic Goals: The initiative aims to support business innovation, develop professional skills, and attract further private investment into the region.
A Strategic Boost for a Creative Powerhouse
The Liverpool City Region has been named one of six areas in the UK to benefit from the government's £150 million Creative Places Growth Fund. This allocation of £25 million is designated to enhance the region's already successful creative economy.
The funding will be managed locally by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, ensuring that the investment is tailored to the specific needs of the local creative ecosystem. Distribution is scheduled to begin in 2026 and will continue for three years.
National Creative Industries Plan
The Creative Places Growth Fund was first announced in June as part of the government's broader Creative Industries Sector Plan. The total £150 million fund is being shared among six regions identified as having strong cultural and creative potential: Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, the North East, West Midlands, West of England, and West Yorkshire.
How the Funding Will Be Used
The £25 million is earmarked for a range of initiatives designed to foster sustainable growth. The primary objective is to help creative businesses innovate, expand, and secure additional private sector backing.
Key areas of support will include:
- Skills Development: Launching new training programmes to equip creative professionals with in-demand skills.
- Business Support: Providing tailored advice and development opportunities for small and medium-sized creative enterprises.
- Investment Partnerships: Creating frameworks to attract and facilitate private investment into local projects and companies.
- Industry-Specific Initiatives: Funding projects that directly address the needs of the film, TV, music, and gaming sectors.
Building on a Strong Foundation
This investment builds on the Liverpool City Region's established reputation as a major creative hub. The area is already a significant player in several key creative fields.
Liverpool's Creative Economy by the Numbers
- Gaming Hub: Home to more than 50 gaming companies, including major studios like Sony and PlayStation.
- Filming Destination: The most filmed location in the United Kingdom outside of London, attracting numerous high-profile productions.
Existing projects have already laid the groundwork for this next phase of growth. Initiatives like the LCR Production Fund have successfully supported local film and TV projects, while the planned development of the Littlewoods Film and TV Studios promises to create a world-class production facility in the city.
Leaders Welcome Investment and Opportunity
Government and local leaders have welcomed the announcement, highlighting its potential to unlock further growth and opportunity across the region.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy emphasized the importance of supporting talent outside of the capital.
"Creativity has no postcode – whether it’s a musician in Liverpool, a filmmaker in Birkenhead, or a video games developer in St Helens. We’re committed to growing our creative industries in every corner of the nation, and devolving this funding means regions can focus on what they need to thrive."
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, described the funding as a major step forward for the local economy and its creative workforce.
"From music and TV to gaming and film, the Liverpool City Region has creativity running through its veins. Our world-famous culture is recognised across the globe, and we’re already home to talented people and pioneering businesses. This funding will help us go even further – creating jobs, attracting investment and giving local people the chance to showcase their skills on a global stage."
Future Outlook for the Region
The £25 million investment is expected to have a significant long-term impact on the Liverpool City Region's economy. By strengthening the infrastructure that supports creative businesses, the fund aims to create a self-sustaining cycle of innovation and investment.
The focus on skills development is particularly important, as it will ensure a steady pipeline of talent to support the growing demand from the film, TV, and gaming industries. For Mayor Rotheram, the connection between culture and economic prosperity is clear.
"This is a region where creativity and culture don’t just entertain, they power our economy, and this investment will make sure that continues for generations to come," he added.