VOLUNTEER trustees at Bromsgrove Community Arts have now taken over the Artrix which will continue to operate as a performance venue.

The short-term agreement starts this week, which will see the much-loved venue wholly operated by volunteers, until the end of the year.

A question mark previously 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 a mass vaccination centre for North Worcestershire during the pandemic.

Last year, the Core Theatre in Solihull moved shows to the Artrix after it was forced to close due to RAAC concrete found in the roof of the building. The short-term lease ended in March 2024.

Local 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.

Theatre companies, local groups and businesses have been booking to hire spaces in the arts centre over the previous few months.

The award-winning film The Shamrock Spitfire will be shown on the opening night for Bromsgrove Community Arts’ residency on Wednesday, April 3. Ahead of the screening,  local singing trio Vintage Class will perform songs from the 1940s, with the bar in the foyer will be open for pre-show drinks and ice cream. The movie will also be shown on Thursday April 4 in the evening.

On Friday, April 5 the 178 Comedy Club will get the audience laughing out loud.

BCA Chair Kyle Daisley said "I'm thrilled we got the agreement over the line and signed.

"This is a huge achievement, and I would like to personally thank everyone for their hard work and dedication.

"With the support of the local community, we can make Artrix a success and keep it open. I urge everyone to visit the website and book tickets for a show.”

Tickets can be booked on the website www.artrixbromsgrove.co.uk and the box office will be open for in-person sales.

An agreement has also been reached to make car parking at the venue free for those visiting the venue.