The English National Opera will receive an extra grant of £24m from April 2024 to March 2026 and more time to leave London.

The ACE announced that the ENO will develop an artistic program in the new city and will also work on a new business model which will see the company deliver a substantial opera season every year in London, while developing a significant performance and engagement program in their new city.

The plan also noted that the ENO will confirm the location of the new city in December this year. The company’s transition to the new city will be completed by March 2029, rather than by March 2026 as originally noted.

The extension will allow for more stability, allow for consultation with staff, more work in London, and give more time for the ENO to develop partnerships in the new city and establish a program there.

In a statement, Sir Nicholas Serota, Arts Council England, Chair, said, “As custodians of public money, the Arts Council has led a rigorous process that has carefully considered ENO’s application. The ENO has presented inspiring ideas to bring their excellent work to people beyond the capital and to explore a range of new ways of presenting opera, and we are investing £24 million in the company over two years to help them realize these ambitions. The extended timeline for their transition to a new main base will enable the ENO to undertake this complex move and to develop partnerships in the new city. The Arts Council’s support for opera is unwavering, and we are excited by the ENO’s new plans and by the enthusiasm shown by the potential host cities.”

Dr Harry Brünjes, Chair of The English National Opera said, “The ENO Board and Management look forward to working with the Arts Council to develop this positive future for the organization. We welcome this investment and additional time which we believe will help us to successfully develop a new main base out of London, whilst maintaining a season at the London Coliseum. We are pleased that Arts Council England supports the artistic plans we have proposed in tandem with our longstanding wish to engage with new audiences and partners around the country.”

The news comes months after the ACE would cut funds from the ENO and would invest national lottery funding in the company until March 2024 to sustain a program of work at the ENO’s home, the London Coliseum, while helping the ENO start planning for a new base.