I'm backing a bid to secure levelling up funding for the full restoration of the Wellington Orbit.

Today I met with Wellington Orbit Office Manager, Sarah Chard, and Finance Manager, Ray Hughes, to discuss the latest plans for the popular venue.

The Government has already recognised the importance of the Orbit to Wellington, awarding it a total of £81,372 from its Culture Recovery Fund to support the business through the Covid pandemic.

Now, the Government's Levelling Up Fund presents a new opportunity to complete the restoration of the Orbit Cinema & Café to create a new exhibition, arts and community events space which will help to develop a more vibrant night-time economy and a stronger leisure and cultural offer in the Town.

I am fully behind the important social and cultural work of The Orbit and their fantastic team. I am glad to support the Levelling Up Funding application for expanding their vital community outreach.