Arts centre revamp saved by £500k council pledge

A council has agreed to underwrite more than £500,000 to safeguard funding for a £6m transformation of an arts centre in Wolverhampton.

City of Wolverhampton Council has stepped in to provide up to £508,028 to meet the final funding gap for major repairs and improvements at Wolverhampton Art Centre, on Dunkley Street.

The funding, described as a "last resort" measure, comes after the centre was unable to secure the required match funding from other sources.

The council said the "capped commitment" would provide the "necessary assurance" needed to protect the multi-million-pound funding package from Arts Council England.

The £6m programme of urgent repairs includes work to address the Victorian building's failing and leaking roof, as well as the restoration of its historic entrance to improve accessibility.

Plans also include upgrades to the centre's reception area, café and bar - all funded through a combination of government, council and investment from local charities.

The centre's longer-term ambitions include refurbishing the theatre with improved backstage facilities, a larger stage and increased audience capacity.

A decision notice said the arrangement was the best way to protect Arts Council England funding and allow urgent repairs to go ahead.

It said the move would help secure the future of Wolverhampton Arts Centre, protect an important community asset and reduce the risk of the building falling back into council responsibility.

The council could also recover some or all of its contribution in future if the arts centre's finances allow.

More than 50,000 people use Wolverhampton Arts Centre each year and it is home to 30 creative and community organisations, with demand continuing to grow.

Earlier this year, the centre was among 13 libraries, museums and theatres across the West Midlands to share almost £20m in government funding, with part of the money earmarked for the urgent repair works.

Ownership of the wider arts centre site was previously split between the City of Wolverhampton Council and City of Wolverhampton College.

Earlier government funding enabled the council to purchase the college's share of the site and carry out essential renovation and restoration works, including the installation of a new heating system, asbestos removal and safety improvements.

A long-term lease agreement was also reached between the council and Wolverhampton Arts Centre, helping to unlock eligibility for major funding bids.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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