The poet laureate, Simon Armitage, has said he hopes that work on the National Poetry Centre in Leeds - one of his key declared aims when he became laureate in 2019 – will begin later this year. In an interview last month with the Yorkshire Post he said: “I’m hoping some time this year we are going to start the physical renovation of the building. After a period of not being absolutely confident it would happen, just very ambitious and hopeful, my feeling is it’s inevitable now.”

The centre is expected to cost well over £20m. According to its website, it is predicted to open to the public in 2029, which will be the final year of Simon Armitage’s laureateship. It is working with the University of Leeds to secure further funding to renovate the Grade II listed Trinity St David’s church in Woodhouse Lane, after it revived a £5 million renewed pledge from the government last year.

Plans for the centre include a 250-seat auditorium to host prizes, performances and events, cafes, bookshops and other social spaces, workshops and exhibition areas, a broadcast studio, writing rooms and quiet areas, a library with collections and archives, and rental offices and workspaces for poetry and literature organisations.

Picture shows Simon Armitage in front of York Minster 

Background: Poet laureate hails government's £5m confirmation