Plan on hold for Public charity move

Sandwell Leisure Trust was set up in 2004 as a charitable company and operates nine leisure centres, a golf course and provides a sports development service under a contract with Sandwell Council.

Despite the fact that it has no experience of managing arts projects the council announced it would like the company to take over the running of the West Bromwich centre.

However, opponents say the trust would be taking on too much and lack the necessary expertise to make the project a success.

Councillor Tony Ward, who is leader of the opposition Conservative group at Sandwell Council said: "I honestly believe Sandwell Leisure Trust will be out of its depth if it takes this place on, not least because I am convinced costs will top £70m before the place is finished.

"Two businesses involved in the running of part of this project have gone into administration already.

"Millions more will need to be found before The Public is up and running in its entirety and I have a feeling of foreboding about these plans," he added.

While the centre has been open since June last year, its gallery has remained closed following a raft of technical problems.

After a joint business plan was rejected by majority funder the Arts Council in January the local authority took total control of both elements of the project, with the promise of an extra £3m from the Arts Council if it can come up with a suitable business plan.

Council bosses today confirmed that they are waiting for an answer from the leisure trust before starting work on the new plan.

Councillor Bob Badham, regeneration boss at Sandwell Council said: "I am hopeful that we will move into an agreement with the Sandwell Leisure Trust next month."

Paul Slater, chief executive of Sandwell Leisure Trust, said that he could not comment on the trust's position.