CULTURE SECRETARY VISITS ROYAL OPERA HOUSE IN PURFLEET

Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport John Whittingdale became the latest Government Minister to visit the Royal Opera House facilities and the Backstage Centre at Purfleet.  The world class facilities at High House Production Park are increasingly being seen as a centre of excellence for the creative industries and a major UK asset.

Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price said, "It is important that the Secretary of State understands the scale of our ambition here in Thurrock so that Government can support the growth of our creative industries sector.  He was gobsmacked by the quality of the facilities at the Backstage Centre and extremely impressed with the commitment shown by the Royal Opera House to Thurrock.

There is no doubt that since its arrival the Royal Opera House has become deeply embedded in our community.  In particular I would commend it for the work it is doing in partnership with our local schools."

The Minister is currently developing a Government strategy for Culture and the Arts and will have taken away lessons from High House to inform the policy development.