Future of two town halls under review
Groups are being offered the chance to run town halls in Stourbridge and Halesowen as part of a review into the future of the buildings.
Dudley Council currently runs and subsidises town halls in Dudley, Stourbridge and Halesowen.
Given the deterioration of the Council’s financial position, the council cannot sustain the required subsidies with the three venues costing the council around £600,000 a year to operate. The council is now looking at alternative ways of keeping the buildings open to host entertainment.
External community organisations or entertainment groups are being invited to submit expressions of interest to run the venues, manage shows and be responsible for the buildings.
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, given its financial position and with the financial losses of running the town halls, Stourbridge and Halesowen could result in closure from April 1, 2025, 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.
Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said:
“These are without doubt important community buildings but 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
“We have seen that community groups can make a success of running venues like this, with the Dudley Council for Voluntary Service taking over Brierley Hill Civic.
“We are looking for a similar arrangement with Halesowen and Stourbridge Town Halls as we look to try 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 council will be seeking expressions of interest from Monday August 12 from organisations interested in taking on the management of either Stourbridge or Halesowen Town Halls. The council will be available to discuss proposals with potential interested parties during the process. The expressions of interest period will run until September 16.
Stourbridge and Halesowen Town Halls host a range of community events and professional shows therefore the council is seeking applications from organisations who can demonstrate their ability to take on the running of the Halls.
For more information email exp-interest.halls@dudley.gov.uk or call 01384 813972.