Concert venue may not host shows for 18 months under refurbishment
Concerts may not be staged at one of the Midlands' main music venues for up to 18 months while it undergoes a £10 million refurbishment, it emerged today – with bosses today revealing they are looking at other halls across the region to hold its gigs.
If Wolverhampton's Civic closes it will do so for the first time in its 76-year history.
Work is due to start in December 2015 on transforming the venue - as well as the Wulfrun Hall – expanding both room's capacities and improving facilities.
Bosses said "all suitable options" were being looked at. The Civic has attracted some of the biggest names in music and comedy over the years, but acts such as Robert Plant, Tinie Tempah and Paul Weller – who have all performed at the venue this year – may have to temporarily go elsewhere.
Dudley Town Hall, Wolverhampton Racecourse or West Bromwich Town Hall could be among the venues that Civic chiefs are looking at to temporarily host its gigs.
The expansion and revamp of both the Civic and the Wulfrun Halls will help bosses bring in big name acts and set the city venues up for the next 40 years, those behind the plans have vowed.
The historic building is getting its biggest refurbishment in decades as part of a Government growth scheme which saw projects across the Black Country and Staffordshire given a slice of £221m.
Wolverhampton City Council's leisure chief Councillor Elias Mattu said the expansion would enhance what is already offered at the Civic and Wulfrun Halls for many years to come.
Councillor Mattu added: "We anticipate that work will start in December 2015 at the earliest and we are already exploring options for temporary provision of shows."
