A major new parliamentary report calling for greater investment in Northern culture has been launched by Southport MP Patrick Hurley.
The MP is warning that our region is missing out on billions of pounds in potential economic growth because of inadequate investment, infrastructure and opportunities.
The report, Northern Culture Untapped, published by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Northern Culture, which Patrick Hurley chairs, examines how the North’s cultural assets could be better supported to create jobs, attract investment, regenerate communities and strengthen local economies.
The inquiry brought together evidence from cultural organisations, creative businesses, universities, local authorities and industry leaders across the North, including the BBC, Arts Council England, major cultural institutions and grassroots organisations.
It found that the North already possesses extraordinary cultural wealth, from world-class museums, theatres and music venues to historic buildings, festivals, creative businesses and grassroots talent, but that much of its economic potential remains unrealised.
Research highlighted in the report suggests that stronger growth in the North’s creative industries could generate an additional £10 billion in economic output by 2030.
The report also highlights the significant contribution culture already makes to Northern economies, including:
- £10.4 billion in estimated economic contribution from the North’s arts, culture and heritage sectors.
- £54.8 million in net economic benefit to the Liverpool City Region from hosting Eurovision in 2023.
- £450 million in annual economic contribution from BBC North in Salford.
- £681 million in economic value generated by The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead over 20 years.
However, the inquiry found that cultural investment, creative employment and industry decision-making remain disproportionately concentrated in London, while Northern towns, coastal communities and rural areas face additional barriers to investment, transport and opportunities.
The report calls for culture to be placed at the heart of Northern economic growth strategies, greater powers for Mayors to invest in cultural infrastructure, improved access to finance, stronger pathways into creative employment and long-term investment in cultural venues and heritage assets.
It also recommends that Northern Mayors work together to develop a shared cultural investment framework, identifying opportunities to attract investment and unlock economic growth across the region.
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and Chair of the Northern Culture APPG, said:
“The North has never been short of culture, creativity or talent. We have produced some of the greatest musicians, writers, artists and performers this country has ever seen, and our towns and cities are home to extraordinary cultural institutions.
“What we have lacked is the investment, infrastructure and opportunities needed to make the most of what is already here.
“The transformation of Salford Quays and the success of Liverpool’s Eurovision show what can happen when cultural investment is taken seriously. But those opportunities should not be limited to our biggest cities.
“If we want growth in every postcode, we have to back places like Southport and help local economies realise their enormous cultural potential.
“From our theatres and Victorian civic heritage to growing independent creative organisations like the newly formed Southport Music Board and Southport Creatives, we already have the foundations for something really exciting.
“Since I was elected in 2024, I have been determined to make sure the creative industries get the backing they deserve. Culture should not be treated as an optional extra; it is a vital part of our economic infrastructure.
“The North does not need to invent its cultural capital. We already have it. Now we need the ambition and investment to unlock it.”
The report also makes the case for greater cooperation between national Government, Mayoral Combined Authorities and cultural organisations, arguing that cultural investment should form a central part of the Government’s wider plans for economic growth and regional regeneration.
Hurley said he would be raising the report’s findings with Ministers and pressing the Government to consider its recommendations.
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