Dudley museum building 'must not be left standing empty'

Chiefs insisted the historic building, which controversially closed its doors last month, should not be left empty for any longer than necessary.

It has also been revealed that collections which have been moved to the Dudley Archives would be back on display in August.

This is so the venue will be ready in time to accommodate school trips from September.

The council decided to close the museum in order to make savings of around £150,000, concluding that it was no longer fit for purpose.

A report released ahead of a meeting of Dudley Council's overview and scrutiny management board on Thursday reveals that the building is intended to be used for staff training and conferences.

This currently takes place at Saltwells Education Development Centre at Bowling Green Road in Netherton, which is now being considered as a potential future site for housing.

The packing up of exhibits at Dudley Museum, which started on December 22, is expected to take three months.

However, the council report also reveals that not all items are to be moved to the Archives, with plans for the Brooke Robinson collection of artwork and artefacts donated by the former MP to be displayed on the ground floor of the existing museum.

The existing shop is also being relocated into the Archives' reception area.

The report to the overview and scrutiny management board says: "The relocation be co-ordinated to ensure that the vacated building is brought back into active use without unnecessary delay and as soon as reasonably practicable.

"The necessary refurbishment works should be undertaken as soon as practicable when the building is vacated and the board asked for assurances that the building will not be left empty for an unreasonable period of time."

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, has confirmed that the use of the building for staff training would be temporary, and that they are currently looking at various options for its use in the longer term.

He said: "We don't want the museum building to stand empty. These plans will ensure it still has an important role."

An open day is also taking place at Dudley Archives next Tuesday where visitors can give their views on how items will be displayed.

Council Ahmed added: "We want to make sure that this is a joint vision with the service users also having a chance to have their say."

After being open for more than 100 years, Dudley Museum and Art Gallery shut its doors for the final time on December 22.

It concluded with the Dudley Society of Artists presenting 130 pieces of work, in their 88th exhibition at the gallery.

Last week it was revealed that parts of the Duncan Edwards memorabilia collection, which has been housed at the museum for the past decade, will be loaned back to Dudley by prospective new owners Manchester United.

The local authority says that the club had agreed 'in principle' to a loan deal over the collection, which includes the local legend's England caps, shirts, medals, trophies, photographs and match programmes.

Any items loaned back will go on display at the Dudley Archives.