The Public, West Bromwich

[10] In 2012, The Guardian's Robert Clark described The Public as "a playground for adults" adding that "maybe that's a good role for a contemporary art gallery to embrace".

[12] An article in the previously critical Express and Star in September 2012 said that The Public was finally winning local people over, had found its purpose and belied remote odds to become one of the region's success stories.

[14] The building was formally reopened as a sixth form college by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex on 1 October 2014.

[15] The project grew out of the work by Jubilee Arts (founded 1974) whose mission was to enhance the lives of the local community through artistic programmes and endeavours.

Running over budget and with a number of organisations supporting the project going into liquidation and administration, The Public finally opened to visitors in 2008 (chiefly the ground floor), with construction of the ramp and digital artworks being completed in 2009.

[18] The Public was home to an eclectic programme of events with comedy shows from established names like Al Murray, Jenny Eclair and Alexei Sayle,[19] music featuring up and coming bands as well as a wide range of activities from tea dancing to knitting that were led by local people.

[citation needed] Further controversy surrounded plans by The Public Gallery Limited to introduce a regular entry fee of £6.95.

In the summer of 2006 the practice developed a new brief and completion strategy for the project and several areas of the building, such as the Theatre, the Pink Tank Cafe and the Level 2 Flexible Space were fully redesigned.