The Public has record month as 42,633 visit

Bosses at the venue have said they are absolutely delighted with the numbers.

The busiest-ever month for visitors comes in the same month it was revealed the £72 million centre in West Bromwich could be transformed into a sixth form college.

Bosses have credited a number of big events for the influx of customers.

During May the New Street venue saw the return of the Now We Are Weekender, attracting music fans from across the country, and comedian Robin Ince.

In addition it also held regular events such as the fortnightly tea dance, a health and wellbeing community arts group and West Bromwich Writer's Group.

It also saw the opening of new exhibition, Ordinary/Extra/Ordinary, which showcases work by internationally recognised artists such as Tracey Emin, Martin Creed, Jeremy Deller and David Shrigley.

Linda Saunders, managing director of The Public said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be able to announce a record-breaking number of visitors this May.

"It's fantastic to see how many regular supporters we have from Sandwell as well as increasing numbers of people from all over the country who are visiting for the first time.

"There aren't many places locally or nationally where visitors can come along and see comedy, music, get creative, or get to see their work displayed alongside Turner Prize winning artists."

The venue is on course to attract its millionth visitor this month.

Last month it was revealed that Sandwell Council was in talks with Sandwell College to transform the arts centre into a sixth form college for A Level students.

College chiefs say the centre could accommodate 1,000 pupils and would be a 'perfect fit', and have also said new teaching jobs would be created if the proposals were apprived.

Under the plans, the ground floor of The Public would remain as exhibition space but the 29 businesses residing in the building would have to move. No firm date is set for completion of the talks between the college and council.

A final decision is due to be made by the summer so work to turn it into classrooms and learning spaces could start in time for it to open as a sixth form in September 2014.

The college plans are the latest twist in the long-running saga over the gallery, which opened in 2008.