Future secured for The Public arts centre in West Bromwich
The future of a troubled community arts centre in West Bromwich has been secured after the Arts Council agreed to pump in much-needed funding of £3 million.
The cash will now enable Sandwell Council to get The Public in West Bromwich fully open for business by the end of the summer.
Arts Council England yesterday accepted a revised business plan prepared by the local authority with Sandwell Leisure Trust to unlock the grant.
The £63 million iconic venue, which opened two years late last June, was taken over completely by Sandwell Council in January.
A joint team comprising the council and Sandwell Leisure Trust was subsequently established and charged with operating the building as a successful community and arts centre as well as a regional and national events venue
Sandwell’s cabinet member for regeneration, Coun Bob Badham, said news of the Arts Council funding was marvellous.
He said: “This is recognition of the good things we are already doing and it means we can now press ahead and build on the success we’ve begun here.
“We have worked very hard to show a realistic vision for this unique building which has so much to offer.
“Since opening a year ago, more than 35,000 people have already enjoyed art, music, theatre, films, community events and conferences.
“We can really start to build on that success now and it’s very exciting.”
Coun Badham added: “When we took on this project in January we decided everything was up for review as part of our business planning.
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