Arts centre in Wolverhampton looks to the future with re-naming programme and major expansion of facilities

Board members at Newhampton Arts Centre (NAC) in Whitmore Reans last night (Wednesday) unveiled ambitious detailed plans to improve and expand its facilities and rename it as Wolverhampton Arts Centre.

The centre - which opened in 2000  on the site of the former Wolverhampton Municipal Grammar School -  is already home to over 30 creative businesses as well as being one of the city's leading intimate music venues. Some of the people who have performed there were present at the unveiling of the plans including members of Central Youth theatre, Wolverhampton Dhol drummers, musician Etan Danbury and storyteller Peter Chand.

A new long term lease agreement with Wolverhampton City Council is about to be signed and the meeting heard details of the plans which were unveiled under the NAC 2050 banner which will see every facility on the Dunkley Street site refurbished.

It will include: The restoration of the historic front entrance facing onto Newhampton Road and West Park; A completely new theatre space on the site of the current theatre and toilet block that will have enhanced backstage facilities, a larger stage and increase audience capacity; The first repairs to the roof over the heritage buildings onsite in over a century to stop the leaks and improve its environmental efficiency; An improved reception, bar and café spaces.

The meeting heard central government money from the Towns Fund had already enabled investment into immediate and critical buildings issues such as heating systems and toilets, but the new improvements require external funding and with the new lease it would be possible to apply for this.

The renaming of the organisation was also unveiled to become from the start of next month Wolverhampton Arts Centre and was said to have been made to reflect its current role as representing arts in the city.

Trevelyan Wright, CEO of the centre said: “Through 25 years of hard work we've made ourselves Wolverhampton's arts centre in everything but name.

"It's the perfect time, as we plan the next 25 years to recognise this and include the city in our name."

Wendy Stephens, chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “It was a fabulous evening with many friends and colleagues who have known NAC and supported it for decades. 

"We’re hugely excited by these plans and will be asking all those who want us to be here in the city for the next 25 years to support us over the coming months and years.”

"Physical and digital updates across the website and social media to reflect the new name will start to roll out in late April."