Combined authority throws weight behind grand plans for community arts hub
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s expansion plans to create a community arts hub are being backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
The WMCA is providing grant funding to help progress the Grand’s long-term vision for a new mid-scale studio theatre, a further small scale performance space, rehearsal rooms, exhibition facilities, visitor accommodation, office and creative business space.
The support is part of a £20m investment by the WMCA in the region’s arts, culture and heritage organisations.
Adrian Jackson, CEO and artistic director at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, theatre trustee Philip Barnett, with Sohan Singh Gill and Avtar Singh, current owners of the Slade Rooms, which are likely to form part of the Grand’s expansion plans.
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA chair, said: “Cultural institutions, such as Wolverhampton’s Grand Theatre, are an anchor in attracting visitors from far and wide. That’s why the expansion plans are great news for the city, the Black Country and the whole region.
“Adrian and his team have done a brilliant job in securing a huge amount of government money to deliver their plans. Combined with the funding from the WMCA they will be able to turn their vision into reality for the benefit of people in Wolverhampton and beyond.”
Arts, culture and heritage directly supports more than 24,000 jobs in the West Midlands and has an economic footprint of £1.1 bn.
Adrian Jackson, CEO and artistic director at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, said: “The development proposals outlined by the Grand Theatre, which are supported by grant funding from both the Community Ownership Fund and WMCA, will enhance Wolverhampton’s cultural offering to provide further exciting opportunities for community enrichment and drive the visitor economy forward.
“This important visionary expansion will also preserve a historic community asset within the city centre, which has previously served the community in a variety of forms since the turn of the century.”
