Trust takes control of The Public
Controversial Black Country art gallery The Public was today set to pass into the control of a charitable trust - but only for a three month trial.
The decision-making cabinet of Sandwell Council was being asked to formally approve proposals at a meeting behind closed doors this afternoon that would see the West Bromwich gallery, which has cost £63 million, pass into the control of Sandwell Leisure Trust.
The trust put forward proposals outlining its plans to manage the New Street venue in conjunction with the council.
Details of what it plans to do with the venue to make it profitable have not been revealed.
But it emerged today the council will have the final say on the future of the venue after three months before a permanent contract is signed.
Sandwell Leisure Trust was set up in 2004 as a charitable company and operates nine leisure centres and a golf course.
Sandwell Council leader, Councillor Bill Thomas, said: "The council is working to secure the long-term future of The Public as an arts and community resource in the light of the Arts Council's decision to make funding of up to £3 million available.
"We invited Sandwell Leisure Trust to consider managing it and have now received proposals from them which represent a significant step forward. Cabinet is being asked today to approve interim arrangements for the council and trust to manage The Public jointly over the three months from April 1.
"This will enable detailed discussions to take place on drawing up a viable business plan and finalising a formal contract for the trust to take over the running of The Public in the long-term."
Paul Slater, chief executive of Sandwell Leisure Trust, said: "We are pleased to be working with the council to manage The Public and we look forward to it becoming a vibrant venue for arts activities, conferences and events which is used extensively by Sandwell people."
The gallery is still not open or accepting paying customers despite the venue itself opening in June last year.
The original £38.3 million budget spiralled to £63 million.
Almost £30 million of that was ploughed in by the Arts Council, which then committed £1.5 million to the running costs of the gallery over a three year period.
The overall cost of the scheme would rise to £66 million if the Arts Council approves the latest business plan and donates a final £3 million before walking away from the project.
Meanwhile, taxpayers in Sandwell have so far footed £19.5 million of the total bill.
The Public Gallery Ltd, set up to run the gallery inside the building, went into administration in February.
