Page 637 - Liverpool Philharmonic 22-23 Season Coverage Book

Arts Council England (ACE) and the ENO itself. The two men said it would be
useful to know who would be making the final decision on the new home.

They also sought assurances there was no substance to reports of officials
pushing for Manchester and Birmingham’s bids as addendums to their
‘trailblazer’ devolution deals announced earlier this year. The letter said: “As you
will be aware, the government have set up the Liverpool Strategic Futures
Advisory Panel.

“As part of that work, we are both working alongside Michael Gove to identify
areas of competitive advantage in the city of Liverpool. Music and our growing
visitor economy certainly fit within that remit.

“We would appreciate if you were able to clear up some of the uncertainty
surrounding the bidding process and give your assurances that the best bid will
be successful. If the process is conducted on a truly level playing field, then we
are confident that the ENO will soon be calling the Liverpool City Region home.”