COMMUNITY input into the future of Bromsgrove's under-threat theatre provision is crucial, insist the guardians attempting to resurrect it from its ashes.

The owners of theatre and arts venue Artrix have unveiled the next stage of plans to find a sustainable future for the facility.

Artrix, which is owned by the Artrix Holding Trust, a registered charity, has been closed since March 16 when Covid-19 restrictions began, with its former operator having gone into administration shortly after.

Against the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic the Trust is working to develop sustainable plans for the future of Artrix, supported by the National Theatres Trust.

Now the trust is set to invite businesses, arts organisations, members of the public and any interested parties to engage with that work and ensure their ideas and plans for the venue are fed into the discussion.

Councillor Margaret Sherrey, Chair of the Artrix Holding Trust, said: “The trust is currently exploring how best to secure a sustainable future for Artrix.

“As part of this work and before any decisions are made, there will be opportunities for all interested parties to engage with this process and put forward their own sustainable ideas and plans.

"We appreciate the interest the community has shown so far. Community engagement is absolutely vital.”

The work, which will cover the opportunities, requirements, and challenges of running Artrix, will result in a new set of specifications for the sustainable future operation of the venue.

Margaret added: “Of course, the trust’s decisions about Artrix must also meet our charitable objects, which include advancing education, increasing appreciation and understanding of the arts, and providing recreational facilities for people in Bromsgrove.

"This is the duty of the trust, whose trustees are appointed by both Bromsgrove District Council and Heart of Worcestershire College.”

The trust can be contacted at artrix.trust.info@bromsgrove.gov.uk.

Artrix, which can accommodate 500 people across its two spaces, first opened in 2005.

As well as supporting local performing arts communities, the Glenn Howells-designed facility on Slideslow Drive in Bromsgrove has played host to a diverse range of national and international-class musical acts, comedy, drama, and dance, as well as hosting cinema screenings, live streaming, exhibitions, arts events and more.