More variety vowed after Brierley Hill Civic Hall take over

Dudley Council will be transferring the day-to-day management of the hall, which attracts thousands of people every year, to Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (DCVS).

Bosses says the move would save the local authority money at a time a squeeze is on local authority coffers.

The council will continue to own the building under the proposals, but it is hoped Dudley CVS will use its extensive community links to bring in more acts, shows and business to the complex.

Chief executive of Dudley CVS, Andy Gray, says the group will be looking to make 'full use' of the building.

"We're delighted to be working with Dudley Council to bring more acts and variety to Brierley Hill Civic Hall. This is an opportunity for the community to really get involved with such an iconic building and we're really looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"We want to very much involve the local community in how we run the civic hall, and make sure they have opportunity to host their shows, meetings and other events here. We have a wealth of talent and thriving community groups here in Brierley Hill who, I am sure, will make full use of such a fantastic building," he added.

The agreement will be on a trial basis for 18 months beginning in February.

Community groups in the borough that use the hall are currently being consulted on the plans before a final decision is made.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environment and culture, said: "Dudley CVS has a proven track record of working in the community for four decades. We want to tap into their vast knowledge and experience to create a more vibrant town hall with more shows and visitors. The hall is one of our most prizes assets and we have very carefully chosen who we would like to run it.

"As a council we are experiencing unprecedented reductions in government funding, and as a result we have to look at smarter ways of working to maintain services for people and by harnessing the skills of the voluntary sector in general, and DCVS in particular, we are hoping that this will lead to the hall becoming a busier and more bustling venue."

Dudley CVS is an independent local voluntary organisation that supports, promotes and develops voluntary groups across the borough.

An average of around 180,000 visitors attend shows at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, Stourbridge Town Hall, Dudley Town Hall and the Cornbow Hall in Halesowen each year.

In the summer, the council took on extra curators to help cope with an increase in bookings.