'Safeguarding a much-loved centre': Historic front to be restored and leaking roof repaired at Black Country venue
A city arts centre has received a major boost after being able to secure a long-term lease from the council.
Wolverhampton Arts Centre (WAC) has taken on a community asset transfer of the Whitmore Reans-based buildings from Wolverhampton Council.
The transfer will help the centre secure additional funding and carry out ambitious long-term plans to improve and expand the centre’s facilities, supporting more activities and creativity within the community.
It comes on the back of the council, supported by the City Investment Board, securing £1.5 million from the Local Regeneration Fund for essential renovation and restoration work to be carried out on the locally listed Dunkley Street facility, including a new heating system.
The community asset transfer paves the way for plans to restore the historic front entrance facing Newhampton Road and West Park, providing greater access to the site.
The site itself will also see improvements, including a newly renovated theatre that will have enhanced backstage facilities, a larger stage and increased audience capacity.
The asset transfer will also support the first major repairs to the roof over the heritage buildings in over a century to stop leaks and improve environmental efficiency, with further improvements to reception, bar and café spaces planned.
Councillor Chris Burden, Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “The initial £1.5 million investment helped future proof this important cultural space as a thriving creative industries and creative education site.
“The lease will further enhance and strengthen WAC to help the team maximise use of the multi-space site to boost the city’s economy and also deliver a much-needed community outreach service and facility that can be more accessible and attractive to more diverse user groups.”
"WAC, a registered charity, has a wide range of spaces for arts and community use including recording studios, dance studios, room hire and creative workspaces.
"As a creative hub, it is home to over 30 resident organisations and offers opportunities for everyone to enjoy and engage in the arts. More than 50,000 people took part in activities at WAC in 2025.
Trevelyan Wright, WAC Chief Executive, said: “We've been on our historic site since 2000 and securing the lease is an essential first step in the long-term development of the site.
“Our trustees and council officers have worked tirelessly together to get us to this point.
"Now the hard work really begins to secure the funds that will ensure Wolverhampton's much-loved arts centre is fit for the next thirty years and able to give our community the creative space it deserves.”
The centre has become a hub for events, including Wolverhampton Literature Festival and Wolverhampton Beer Festival, as well as hosting gigs, including an intimate gig in 2015 from Blur.
