Artists: Workspaces in Cities

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb Excerpts

Monday 19th December 2016 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

Someone who participates in arts.

[Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb (GP)]

My Lords, it is not only artists’ space being swept away; it is also small businesses such as breweries and metalworkers—businesses that contribute to a local area. Before the Olympics, we saw a lot of small businesses swept away because of the pressure of housing. Is it part of the Government’s industrial strategy to maintain some affordable space, perhaps within industrial sites?

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I completely agree with the noble Baroness. As noble Lords will be aware, the Culture Secretary is on the economy and industrial strategy committee of the Cabinet. We would support more than just artists but craft bakers and local industries. We have been doing that in the north—for example, in Newcastle. The Great Place scheme, mentioned in the Culture White Paper and on which the Government spent £15 million, is helping in that regard and is all to do with creating vibrant communities with local arts and industries.