‘Common sense’ after plans for terminus art announced

Dudley Council’s leader has welcomed a decision not to spend quarter of a million pounds on public artwork at Dudley’s new bus terminus.

Proposals from Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) developed after a feasibility study and consultation with the public and local artists included a number of options ranging from a cost of £25,000 to £250,000.

TfWM has now confirmed the cost of a sign and public art will be £50,000 and alternative options have been rejected.

A TfWM spokesperson said: “Dudley has a fine tradition of public art. From the canal sculpture trail to commemorative works celebrating the borough’s history and people, art has long been used to enhance public spaces and create a sense of place.

“As a vibrant new gateway to the town, the interchange should reflect that same ambition and local character.

“The sign and mural celebrate Dudley’s unique heritage and will offer a warm welcome to visitors arriving in the town centre.”

TfWM is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and both organisations have attracted criticism from Dudley Council’s leader, Cllr Patrick Harley, over delays in completion of the terminus and the Midland Metro tram in Dudley.

Cllr Harley was fiercely critical of the initial proposals for art at the terminus including ‘sculptural bollards’ which he described as a ‘waste of taxpayers’ money’.

After learning the more expensive options had been ruled out, Cllr Harley said: “I’m pleased common sense has prevailed, we can live with that but £250,000 was just way too much, especially when it is over budget and way behind schedule.”

Details of initial plans were given in a document seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which includes the results of a public consultation which attracted 39 responses.

A total of 80 percent of the responses say public art is very or extremely important.

Engagement workshops were also held at Dudley College which found students felt the old bus terminus was ‘claustrophobic, dark and unwelcoming’.

Researchers also asked Black Country artists to contribute ideas to possible features in the new terminus and produced three plans with a range of costs.

The £50,000 option includes a painted mural, bins, bollards and interior wall space drawing while for an extra £50,000 the interchange could have added extras including screens, patterns and signage, a feature art map and internal benches and planters.

The most expensive choice, for £247,000, added a range of features including bike storage (£20,000), public realm surfaces (£20,000), external planters (£15,000) and architectural lighting (£40,000).

The bus terminus is expected to open at the end of 2026, the Midland Metro link from Wednesbury into Dudley is around two years behind schedule having been originally planned to open in 2024.

By Martyn Smith | Local Democracy Reporting Service