New fears for Public

Controversial West Bromwich arts centre The Public may not even open in 2007 despite being millions of pounds over budget and months behind schedule, bosses admitted today.

The notorious £55 million pink and black complex in the town centre has been in limbo since it went into administration early last year just months before its repeatedly-delayed launch was due.

And the financial turmoil, which also claimed the head of former project chief executive Sylvia King, has stopped contractors returning to put the finishing touches to the building - paid for by taxpayers and designed to be the focal point of West Bromwich's regeneration.

Today Councillor Bob Badham, Sandwell's regeneration supremo and a member of The Public's board, admitted it was impossible to say for sure whether the troubled centre would even open in 2007.

"It's still too early," he said. "We're dealing with probably 30 or 40 contractors and it's all got to be sewn up before we can say.

"I would hope that progress can be made but it's very difficult go give an answer saying what will happen and when."

Councillor Badham said although he received regular briefings on the centre's progress, there was still no timescale by which the project was expected to be finished.

He added administrators were due to make an announcement in the New Year regarding its future.

Last year Sandwell's former Tory group leader Karen Bissell dubbed The Public Sandwell's version of the Millennium Dome.

By Jim Dunton