Witham submits bid for UK Town of Culture 2028

Witham Town Council has formally submitted its Expression of Interest to become UK Town of Culture 2028, marking the next step in an ambitious plan to put the town’s people, places and stories centre stage.

The bid sets out a year‑long programme of events and projects celebrating Witham’s rich history, green spaces and creative talent, while tackling some of the big issues residents have raised.

A key element of the proposal is the creation of an indoor skating rink as part of a new “active arts world” venue, giving children and young people a safe, exciting place to spend time, learn new skills and get involved in creative activities. The bid also proposes converting the former Poundland store into a dedicated arts and cultural space, where local artists and makers can exhibit, advertise and sell their work, helping to bring fresh life and footfall into the town centre.

Over recent weeks, the Town Council has been asking local people what they would like to see in the programme if Witham is successful. This has included a visit by the Mayor and Town Clerk to the School Council at Lift Maltings, where students shared their priorities for culture in the town and completed a short survey. The same survey was launched more widely across Witham, online and at town events, to gather views from residents of all ages on what should be in the bid.

Ideas put forward so far include more free and low‑cost cultural activities, better use of green spaces such as the River Walk and Whetmead Nature Reserve, and new ways to bring Witham’s history and stories, including the lesser‑known tale of James Cooke to a wider audience.

Town Clerk Nikki Smith said:“Our bid has been built from the ground up, with residents, community groups, young people and cultural organisations all helping to shape it. The visit to Lift Maltings and the town‑wide survey were particularly important as young people were very clear about what matters to them, from tackling anti‑social behaviour by bringing back a town centre police station to having spaces like an indoor skating rink where they can be creative and active.”

The Mayor of Witham added:“Witham has a powerful story to tell and a huge amount of pride and talent. Submitting this bid is just the start. Whatever the outcome, we want to keep working with local people to create more chances to take part in culture, support our town centre and bring our community together, whether that’s through new venues, more events or spaces for local artists to thrive.”

If shortlisted, Witham Town Council will receive development funding to work up a full Town of Culture programme in greater detail, with further rounds of consultation planned to ensure local people remain at the heart of the plans.

Residents can stay up to date on the Witham Town Council website www.witham.gov.uk and social media channels https://www.facebook.com/withamcouncil/ and https://www.facebook.com/withamcouncil/ .