Time running out for expressions of interest in town halls

Dudley Council currently runs and subsidises town halls in Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen.

Given the deterioration of the council’s financial position, the local authority said it cannot sustain a current subsidy of around £600,000 a year to operate the three halls.

It is now looking at alternative ways of keeping the buildings open to host entertainment.

External community organisations or entertainment groups were invited to submit expressions of interest to run the venues, manage shows and be responsible for the buildings.

The window to express an interest closes today. 

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said: “With the financial position we find ourselves in, we have no choice but to look at how services might be provided differently in the future.

“Brierley Hill Civic is a powerful example where a community group came in and continue to run it successfully, and we are looking for a similar arrangement with Stourbridge and Halesowen.

“We are putting this reminder out because we are trying to do everything we can to secure the future of these buildings. We will leave no stone unturned in doing that.

“However, without the right offer, these buildings could have to close – something no one wants to do.”

The authority is currently undergoing huge changes as it looks to navigate its way out of serious financial challenges, trying to plug a £37million financial gap over the next three years.

The council has warned Stourbridge and Halesowen town halls could result in closure from April 1 next year if an organisation or group to run them cannot be found.

Dudley Town Hall is not included in the proposals because it is the larger of the three venues, in the heart of Dudley, and continues to attract some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

The building is also part of the main council house campus.

For more information email exp-interest.halls@dudley.gov.uk or call 01384 813972.