Since the launch of the New Square Shopping Centre on Thursday 11 July, visitors to The Public have dramatically increased – up 55% on the same period the previous week.
More than 9,000 people visited the West Bromwich venue from Thursday to Sunday, a remarkable 13% of total visitors to the new shopping centre.
Over the course of the weekend, The Public’s diverse programme included the launch of exhibitions, the Summer Show, an annual exhibition featuring the artwork of over 125 Sandwell artists, and Sound Canvas, new work by Disability Arts development organisation, DASH.
Visitors were able to enjoy a free jazz gig on Saturday night as part of Birmingham Jazz Festival, and on Sunday, a community music festival, Our Big Gig, featured a number of talented musicians from across Sandwell.
Thousands of families from across the region explored the gallery’s free exhibitions and took part in Summer holiday taster workshops. Snowdrop, a mechanical elephant, was also giving rides to young visitors.
On Friday, the Black Country venue also welcomed Careers Fair, ‘Job Start Your Future’, organised by Sandwell Connexions, Sandwell Council and MP Adrian Bailey.
Steve Burr, General Manager of New Square said: “We’re been really pleased by the excitement generated by New Square’s opening and many have commented how wonderful it is that New Square and The Public complement one another so well. The Public and New Square have worked together incredibly well with regards to the launch event, which has created a fantastic atmosphere for the opening weekend.”
Linda Saunders, Managing Director of The Public said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the New Square Shopping Centre has had such a dramatic impact on our visitor numbers attracting thousands of people from across the region. Over the last 4 years we have seen a steady increase in visitor numbers and the launch of New Square will make a step change.
It’s fantastic to see that the original vision of The Public and New Square is now being realised and coming to fruition, leading to a more vibrant and exciting future for West Bromwich.”
For a full list of events, workshops and exhibitions at The Public visit www.thepublic.com, call 0121 533 7161, or follow them on twitter via @_the_public.
