Much-maligned Black Country arts centre The Public today found an unlikely ally – after being named in a book listing the world’s must-see buildings.

The West Bromwich centre is included in a book of the 1,001 Buildings You Must See Before You Die.

The New Street arts centre was first added to the compendium back in 2007, when it was still unfinished.

Now, four years on copyright holders Quintessence said they will update the text when the book is next reprinted.

The Public, which cost £72 million to build and was designed by world famous architect Will Alsop, split public opinion with its black exterior and pink cloud-shaped windows – in complete contrast to its town centre surroundings.

It has been called everything from “a box of delights” –  by the architect himself – to a “pink elephant” and even “a B&Q superstore with eyes”.

Edited by Mark Irving, the book includes building across the globe, from the ancient world to the modern day including the pyramids of ancient Egypt, the Colosseum in Rome and the Sydney Opera House.

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