Theatre fans back plans for Wolverhampton Grand extension

Bosses at the venue announced plans to expand into the empty former Post Office premises in Lichfield Street last month.

Members of the public were asked to provide feedback, and following the closure of a general consultation this week, people said they were in favour of any plans that would boost the Grand Theatre’s profile.

Sinead Wilkes, from Codsall, said: “I am a massive theatre fan and love the Grand.

“I go there as much as I can and also take part in amateur dramatics locally as well. I am hoping this will give people like me an added platform to showcase our talents to the West Midlands community. We have a lot to offer.”

Fellow theatregoer Julian Montgomery, a student from Birmingham, added: “I have a lot of friends living in Wolverhampton and we have had quite a few nights at the Grand seeing various shows – all great.

“It would be brilliant to see them extend. And then, who knows what type of extras they will be able to bring in? It can only be a good thing for the venue and the city.”

The former Post Office building in Lichfield Street closed in 2013 and moved its operation across the street.

After viewing the theatre’s extension plans, which were on display to the public until Friday, regular theatregoer Fiona Jones, from Penn, said: “As a regular attender, I think it’s fantastic news.

“The Grand is a wonderful theatre and a lovely building, so any plans to add to it can only be a bonus for the city. I’d be very excited to see what sort of performances they put on.

“Perhaps it will provide another platform for smaller theatre companies or local groups? I’ll be looking forward to hearing what sort of plans the theatre has in mind for this new venue.”

A couple, who did not want to be named, added: “As well as being a great addition to the Grand, it will also provide a tidy frontage to the street instead of just another empty, unused building.

“We go to the theatre on a regular basis so any plans to extend or add to their programme of entertainment can only be a good thing for the city and the people of Wolverhampton on the whole.”

The Grand Theatre’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Artistic Director Adrian Jackson said: “There is a vision to make Lichfield Street the Arts Hub of Wolverhampton city centre, and although the theatre already contributes massively to the local economy, there is so much more we can achieve in the community, for education and cultural enrichment.”

Councillor John Reynolds (Lab. Graiseley) , the council’s Cabinet Member for City Economy, added: “This is a bold move by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre to bring a major uplift to the city centre’s entertainment offering. It will be exciting.”

The designs for the theatre’s extension plans were drawn up by architects Keith Williams and have gone before the city council’s planners.

A previous plan to transform the former post office building into a 1,000-seat concert hall fell through after developers could not secure the necessary funding.