Rumours around relocating Walsall Leather Museum quashed by council leader

The authority had proposed moving it to a more centrally-located building, already owned by the council, in a bid to save £190,000.

It was one of many proposals put forward by Walsall Council in a bid to save £28.9million in the upcoming budget as it continues to struggle with the rising cost of adult and children’s services.

The proposal around the relocation of the town’s biggest attraction to a mystery location sparked a number of objections and a protest was held in the town centre against the move.

Campaigners were overjoyed to hear that the proposal had been removed, but the future is uncertain for the town’s main attraction as it costs £300,000 each year to operate.

Richard Roberts, a member of the public, asked the leader of the council about marketing costs and whether the site had been sold to Walsall College.

Leader councillor Garry Perry confirmed the council spent £75,000 on marketing and promotion for Walsall Leather Museum in 2024/25.

He also confirmed that the site had not been sold to Walsall College.

Councillor Perry said: “A new museum offer for Walsall will be looked at as per that decision in consultation with Walsall residents.

“The outcome could be a much more expansive service offering and celebrating the borough of Walsall and its wider heritage, not just within the leather industry.”

“Through this work it is envisaged that a range of options will be considered in terms of the offer and its operating model.

“And I look forward to hearing how that progresses when that first meeting takes place with those who campaigned to keep the museum in its current location.”