This announcement confirms the finance required from the Homes and Communities Agency to start work on the building. This investment complements the £5 million already committed by the Learning and Skills Council. Work will commence on the building in November 2010, ready for a 2012 opening.
The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said: "Today's announcement is positive news for the UK economy. The National Skills Academy is in line with many of the government's objectives on skills, training, Apprenticeships and regeneration. It will help to support young people in the creative industries, and is of international importance for a live performance sector that generates over £6 billion per year for the UK economy.
"The National Skills Academy will position the UK as a global leader in cultural skills and training, plug the creative and cultural skills gap and deliver what employers and young people need to boast skills, access and jobs in the vital creative industries sector.
"It will help to support the recovery, and will also contribute to the development of a cultural legacy from the London 2012 Olympic Games, helping to raise aspirations for young people throughout the UK."
Pauline Tambling, managing director of the National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural Skills (NSA) said: "I am delighted with this news which is the highlight of our first year of operation for the NSA. Along with the support of our 20 Founder Colleges and industry members, this building has brought us even closer to realising our vision of an internationally acclaimed technical theatre and live music sector supporting the best stages in the world."
(Lee Baldock)
