THE LEADER of Bromsgrove District Council has moved to reassure residents the authority is committed to reopening the town’s theatre and arts centre.
But Coun Karen May called for patience until the insolvency practitioner assigned to Artrix had carried out the work it needed to do.
The Standard understands that will be completed by the end of next week and then there will be a much-better idea of the situation surrounding the stricken centre.
Coun May said: “Only when all the formalities are completed can we start assessing the options.
“Bromsgrove District Council is committed to the building remaining as a theatre and an arts centre and we have been exploring options so it can be ran in a viable way.
“I am not surprised by the love being showed for Artrix – I share that view and I am sad it has come to this.
“But we need a business model to ensure it has a long-term sustainable future.
“We must make sure nothing like this happens again.”
She said when the full picture was known interested parties, groups and residents would be consulted about the findings and the options available.
Last week a Facebook group called ‘The Future of Artrix’ was set up by previous performers, hirers and supporters of the venue.
It has already amassed close to 1,300 followers.
Theatre producer Daniel Prosser, who started the Facebook group, said: “We have had some positive discussions with the council and we believe there is a commercially viable way forward for the venue.
“We feel this can be achieved with the support of the council, residents and performance companies.”
