THE “much-loved” Artrix is set to remain open as a performance venue after a new deal was struck.

A question mark has hung over the future of the Bromsgrove venue, which first opened in 2005, after its former operator folded just before Covid-19 restrictions began in 2020.

It temporarily served as the NHS’s mass vaccination centre for North Worcestershire during the pandemic.

The Core Theatre in Solihull recently moved shows including its Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at the Artrix after it was forced to close due to RAAC concrete found in the roof of the building.

The Core Theatre recently announced that they will not be looking to extend their residency at Artrix when the short-term licence comes to an end in March 2024.

Local interest group Bromsgrove Community Arts (BCA) subsequently approached The Artrix Holding Trust with a proposal for a short-term licence to operate the arts venue for nine months from April 2024.

The group's proposal was unanimously approved by members of the Artrix Holding Trust.  

The short-term licence will allow BCA to operate the arts venue on a room hire basis, with volunteers continuing to take on the responsibilities of the bar and front of house. Performance groups, organisations and businesses needing spaces for meetings or group activities will be able to hire the much-loved venue for use during daytime and evenings.

Artrix Holding Trust chairman Anita Dale said: “We’re backing BCA’s approach. We hope plenty of groups and businesses use the excellent facilities at Artrix, and utilise this fabulous building in the daytime, on weekends and evenings. Local support is needed for Artrix to thrive.”

Bromsgrove Community Arts chairman Kyle Daisley said: "The volunteers who have stepped up to support The Core Theatre in the past months have been fantastic. It is hoped that these people, and others, will continue to underpin the operation at Artrix during these next stages. We urge any groups and businesses to come forward to hire the venue and encourage local people to volunteer their time to ensure the continued success of our much-loved venue."

Those interested in hiring the venue or volunteering should contact BCA at bromsgrovecommunityarts@outlook.com to register their interest and find out more.