Bosses behind controversial £57 million arts centre The Public have admitted they have absolutely no idea how much it will cost to run, or if it will ever be a success.
Confidential papers leaked to the Express & Star reveal how costs spiralled out of control after local contractors refused to work on the development – with other companies eventually stepping in to pick up a lucrative “time and materials” premium rate instead.
They also reveal the authority was originally planning to spend £4.5m of taxpayers’ cash to finish the pink and black building in New Street, West Bromwich. This was later reduced to £3m to cover money already spent during construction.
Today there were warnings taxpayers were likely to be hit for millions more to get the centre, which has yet to open its gallery, off the ground and may always have to subsidise it.
In the papers, discussed behind closed doors at the council, the authority admits it will take 18 months before it has any idea of running costs.
A report prepared by council officers warns: “Uncertainty over its operational performance and consequently running costs is anticipated to last for at least the first 18 months.”
Councillor Steve Eling, cabinet member for strategic resources, today admitted taxpayers may now have to pay some of the bill.
He said: “The intention has always been its income would cover costs. From where we stand we can’t guarantee that will be the case.”
Councillor Tony Ward, leader of the Conservative group, said: “I think the council will be asking for at least another £3m.
“The £500,000 a year pledged by the Arts Council will only go to the gallery. It will be down to the council to to fund the wages, utility bills and repairs for the rest of the building.”
Councillor Eling said the authority aimed to keep any extra costs down.
11 Comments
It’s almost as big a mess as Walsall’s Arboretum junction!
Hmmm…yes, I agree with you Adam. Two years to get 3 months work done.
Still, at least the Public made money for some people, even if it may have to shut down at some point if it keeps making a loss.
Councillor Steve Eling, cabinet member for strategic resources, today admitted taxpayers may now have to pay some of the bill !!!!!!!!!!! NO Steve , your disaster you pay for it, stop all payment to councillors till this money has been paid back to the Council Taxpayers.
You spent our money on an abortion that we didn’t want, why should you then be paid any money for throwing £57 million pound of Tax Payers money down the drain.
Its time heads rolled, this was clearly not wanted from day one, but our pig headed Labour council just went ahead and built it anyway.
What sheer arrogance of this council to do what they wanted to do, for no other reason than to boost their ego, and with us footing the bill, sack all the councillors that ripped us off.
Jim of Bearwood
Couldn’t have put it better Jim. My business rates have gone up about 40% this year. I don’t want to pay another penny for this abortion. The public is a disgrace.
what a way to run a building i say sack the lot of them and make them all pay some of the money back thay have not got a clue what to do next a wright load of money grabers and ejitts
sack the councillers who are responsible for this grotesque building forgot you cant sack yourself
why dont the ratepayers association get together and charge sandwell council with wasting council taxpayers money let all taxpayers contribute £1 each and go to court it might be worth every penny i for one dont want to support this white elephant with any more of my money because its obvious it is never going to pay for its self just write it off now and save money our money
Can I ask whether Councillor Steve Ealing, Cabinet Member for Strategic Resouces, will instigate a full inquiry into this fiasco? Or is he scared that it will implicate him?
Another fine mess Labour has gotten us into! Why should the taxpayer have to bail this useless Labour run council out - again?
“Bosses behind controversial £57 million arts centre The Public have admitted they have absolutely no idea how much it will cost to run,…”
Too much
“…..or if it will ever be a success.”
No
There, sorted that one out for you Sandwell Council. Now, you disgraceful bunch of ego maniacs, what are you going to do about it?
Need more MONEY instead of spending it on a useless building thats struglling, give it to the kids at Birmingham Childrens Hospital they really need the money not an eye sore….