Architect at The Public says closure a scandal
The architect who designed troubled arts centre The Public has labelled its probable closure as 'scandalous' and accused Sandwell Council of 'running scared'.
World-renowned designer Will Alsop said bosses were pulling out of the venue just as it was achieving its potential, and that they should be looking at alternative ways to fund it.
It comes after the council revealed its plan to end its agreement with Sandwell Arts Trust, which currently runs the venue in West Bromwich. The decision will be put to a meeting on Wednesday.
Council bosses say the venue, which cost £72 million to build is too expensive to run, as it costs them £30,000 a week which is nearly £1.6 million a year.
If the plans are approved, it will mean Sandwell Arts Trust will hand the building back to the council on November 30 when the current activities at the New Street building will cease.
Mr Alsop said: "It's scandalous. The council will have to answer to the people, they are closing a fully established venue which benefits the people of West Bromwich and beyond.
"They will be closing an arts centre which is now fulfilling expectations. The latest visitor figures show a big increase and they are now on target for their business plan. The new shopping development has now opened and that is drawing even more people in. The shops were all in the original plan and we have been waiting for them to open. It is just the wrong time to do this."
Mr Alsop said he does not accept the council's view that it is too expensive.
He said: "They are saying it is because they can't afford it, but they can afford some of it. In two to three years they may find alternative funding for it, and in the mean time they can start introducing some charges, and the public will understand. They can change the business plan to reduce the costs."
He added: "I think they are running scared. I understand local authorities are facing cuts at the moment, but they are not looking at the long term." Mr Alsop said that if they change the use of the building to a college it will just become 'another bog standard building'.
He added: "It will be terrible, and I am actually very angry at the college because they must be part of this deal.
"They are not thinking of the town and the wider area." Building work started in 1995 and after a number of delays the centre finally opened in 2008. Sandwell Council took over the management of the New Street centre in 2009 after the Arts Council walked away and in 2011 the Arts Council was accused of funding a building 'not fit for purpose'.
