Writing Centre launches Crowdfunding Campaign
Tuesday 4 March 2025
Arvon, the UK's leading creative writing charity, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise the final £75,000 needed to complete the transformation of Lumb Bank, a historic literary house situated above the Colden Valley.
Lumb Bank before redevelopment - Photo: Sarah Mason
Lumb Bank, once the home of the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes, has been a key destination for writers since it became an Arvon residential writing house in 1975. With no substantial development to the site for over 40 years, Lumb Bank was in urgent need of renovation.
The redevelopment of the site aims to improve accessibility, sustainability, and the overall experience for thousands of visitors each year. With crucial upgrades – including a new Writing Barn to deliver community outreach work, accessible accommodation, and enhanced environmental sustainability – this project will help Arvon expand its impact on writers and communities throughout the North. In addition, a new library will be established celebrating Northern writers alongside the works of Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath.
Architects and Arts Council representatives in what will become
the new Writing Barn. Photo from Harry Butterworth.
In transforming Lumb Bank, Arvon will turn it into a beacon of creativity for the North. Futureproofing one of the country's most inspiring literary houses will provide world-leading writing opportunities to Northern communities and play a key role in creative regeneration in Yorkshire.
Over £2.2m has been raised to date, including £725k from Arts Council England. Work is already underway, but a final £75k is urgently needed to complete this ambitious project. Lumb Bank is scheduled to reopen to the public in summer 2025.
"We are now on the brink of completing the transformation of Arvon's celebrated Northern writing house," said Andrew Kidd, Arvon CEO. "Your generous donations will ensure Lumb Bank can continue to inspire future generations of writers while preserving its rich heritage, as we widen participation for Northern and working-class writers, and other underserved communities across the North, as well as providing an accessible and idyllic setting for schools and community groups to engage in workshops that support wellbeing and creativity. We are so grateful for your help in enabling us to realise this vision."
Roofers work on restoring the roof of Lumb Bank's renovated
Writing Barn - Photo: Harry Butterworth
Supporters can donate to the campaign via Crowdfunder and receive exclusive rewards, including named paving stones, benches, and even bedrooms within the facility. Arvon has had a deep and lasting influence on literature, and, with the support of generous donors, its impact will continue to resonate across the North and beyond, as future generations of writers are inspired and transformed by Lumb Bank.
To contribute, visit Crowdfunder