Art gallery could stay at station site

Low Level station re-opened last month as an exhibition space which is due to remain in the landmark building for 12 months.

But following the success of the new feature, which has attracted around 2,000 visitors, the people behind it are now hoping to go to the Arts Council for funding in a bid to make it a permanent fixture.

Wolverhampton University fine arts student Antoinette Alleyne, who spearheaded the gallery plans, said: "There have been about 2,000 visitors since the gallery opened," she said. "It's exceeded all my expectations.

"People have commented on how much they like the work on display. I'd love it if the Arts Council pumped some money into the project to keep it a permanent gallery."

She said established, international artists could soon be showcasing their work at the site off Wednesfield Road.

"I've been in contact with a number of international artists," she said.

"If we have established artists displaying their work at the gallery, then more people will come and the Arts Council will take us more seriously.

"Wolverhampton needs this. There is nothing like this even in Birmingham at the moment."

Low Level station, which closed in 1972, was brought back to life when it re-opened as gallery after failing to find a buyer to take it over permanently.

It had stood empty for months after a two-year painstaking restoration. Hundreds of people turned up on the launch night to look at the work of around 50 local artists.

A year-long lease has been signed for the new makeshift gallery, but bosses are not charging rent.

The historic city centre site was put back on the market after a long-awaited casino development was dramatically halted at the 11th hour.

A second exhibition is currently being held at the gallery. It includes installation pieces and wall projections and runs until November 30.