Lid lifted on University of Wolverhampton's piano bonanza

With its shiny new grand pianos, drama studios and theatre, the University of Wolverhampton's new £10 million Performance Hub could help launch the stars of the future.

The Express & Star was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the new performing arts centre at the university's Walsall campus yesterday. Fifteen Steinway pianos worth £400,000 were delivered ready for students starting a new term on Monday.

The £75,000 concert grand piano, which was bought by the university with the help of a donation from Worfield Concert Charity Trust, will be kept in the Black Box Theatre where concerts, recitals and plays will be staged.The four-storey building houses teaching and rehearsal space, dance studios, music rooms, theatres, offices and a library which will be used by thousands of students.

Books and equipment have been moved into the new building, along with new computer suites and technology equipment.

John Pymm, dean of the school of sport, performing arts and leisure, said: "You can't imagine the sense of excitement we are feeling about moving into this building. We will welcome our students to one of the best performing arts centres in the UK. The pianos are the icing on the cake."

The university is only one of three in the UK to hold the All-Steinway School status, meaning at least 90 per cent of its pianos are designed by the prestigious Steinway & Sons.