Council opens consultation to inform new Cultural Framework
Warrington Borough Council has launched a borough-wide Culture, Arts and Heritage Survey 2026, inviting people who live in, work in or visit the town to help define priorities for culture in the years ahead. The consultation will inform the development of a new Cultural Framework for the borough, with the council seeking views from residents, creatives, community groups, businesses and visitors.
The questionnaire is designed to capture what people value in Warrington’s current cultural offer and to understand future ambitions, as well as the barriers that may prevent participation. According to the council, it takes around 15 minutes to complete and uses a mix of scaled responses, yes/no options and open questions.
Focus on inclusion and future growth
Setting out the rationale for the consultation, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure, Cllr Jean Flaherty, said the authority wants a Framework rooted in local experience and aspiration. She highlighted the strength and diversity of Warrington’s cultural life and the need to widen access.
“As we develop our Cultural Framework, it’s important that the voices of residents, community organisations, artists, businesses, and visitors are at the heart of the conversation. We want to understand what people value most, what opportunities they would like to see in the future, and how we can make culture more accessible and inclusive for everyone.”
Cllr Flaherty added that feedback would guide the council and its partners in identifying future opportunities to strengthen and grow Warrington’s cultural offer, feeding into “ambitious recommendations” to shape a vibrant cultural future.
Recent momentum in Warrington’s cultural scene
The council notes that Warrington’s cultural landscape has expanded in recent years, with larger audiences at town centre events, an extended programme across neighbourhoods and a mix of heritage and contemporary activity. Examples referenced include:
- The transformation of the Pyramid Arts Centre
- The continued success of Warrington Arts Festival
- Diverse celebrations such as Warrington Mela
These developments, the council says, form a platform for a more coordinated borough-wide approach that can support participation, nurture local talent and strengthen the visitor offer.
What the survey asks
Respondents are invited to reflect on cultural activities they have enjoyed in recent years, identify what they would like to see more of, and outline anything that makes it harder to take part. The format combines short tick-box sections with space to elaborate, allowing for both breadth and detail in responses. The council intends to use the findings to shape priorities within the forthcoming Framework, focusing on accessibility, inclusion and practical delivery with partners.
| Who can take part | What it covers | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Residents, creatives, community groups, businesses, visitors | Current offer, future opportunities, participation barriers | ~15 minutes |
Why it matters locally
While the consultation does not set funding decisions in itself, it will shape the council’s understanding of demand and opportunity across the borough. In practice, a clear evidence base can influence how public bodies and partners plan programmes, support venues and target outreach. For residents, this is a direct route to flag what works well—be that festivals, grassroots projects or heritage activity—and where access or affordability can be improved.
Businesses and community organisations are also being encouraged to contribute, particularly those whose work intersects with culture, events or placemaking. Insights about what draws people into the town centre, what encourages family participation, and how creative activity can reach more neighbourhoods will be central to the Framework’s recommendations.
How to take part
The Culture, Arts and Heritage Survey 2026 is now open. It is aimed at anyone with an interest in Warrington’s cultural life and asks for candid views on current strengths, gaps and future priorities. The council is encouraging wide participation to ensure the final Framework reflects the borough’s diversity of perspectives.
Those considering a response may find it useful to think about recent events they have attended, what they would like to see more of—from live performance to heritage trails or community arts—and any practical hurdles, such as transport, cost or awareness, that affect their participation.
InfoRadar will continue to follow the development of the Cultural Framework and report on the findings once published.
