Simon Armitage Planning UK National Poetry Centre

Plans are in the works for a National Poetry Centre in Leeds, reports Alison Flood for The Guardian. UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage intends for the center "to be a public space with an extensive poetry collection, several rehearsal and performances spaces, and a cafe, where literary events can be held, writers can exchange ideas, and visiting authors can stay." Armitage told Flood that "poetry needs a home in the UK, like the Center for Fiction or Poet’s House in New York." More:

Armitage and supporters are now working to identify a site and secure funding. Leeds 2023 creative director Kully Thiarai said the intention was for the new centre to be open in time for the city’s celebrations in three years.

“The serious business of finding the right site, raising the funds and creating something quite extraordinary that can welcome all our communities can now begin,” said city council leader Judith Blake.

Armitage said he believes the centre needs to be outside London. He described Leeds as an ideal location, being “accessible, central, dynamic, contemporary, future-minded, people-oriented, community-aware and committed to cultural regeneration”.

 Find out more at The Guardian.