Funds delayed for pop centre

Land Design has been appointed by London’s The Visual Connection to design 3D projects at Sheffield’s planned 10m National Centre for Popular Music.

The Visual Connection became project co-ordinator in June. Exhibition designs worked on by both consultancies will be presented next week, and “detailed briefs” will be issued to further consultants in November or December, according to Tim Strickland, the centre’s director.

The centre was disappointed this week as The Arts Council

Lottery Fund decided to delay an expected announcement of 7.5m funding.

“This happens regularly with big projects. We can’t say when a decision is expected,” says an Arts Council spokeswoman.