It has been confirmed that a former bank building in Wellington’s Market Square has been purchased by Telford & Wrekin Council and Clifton Community Arts Center Limited (CCAC) to trade as Wellington Orbit.
The building is already home to the Wellington Orbit Cinema, but will now be owned by CCAC, with further conversion plans underway to create a “cultural hub for the town”.
This is the first time since 1918 that the building has been owned by Wellington residents.
The purchase of the building was made following a successful Central Government Capital Regeneration Fund bid by Telford & Wrekin Council and funding from CCAC.
A statement from Telford and Wrekin Council said the acquisition was “in response to the local community’s desire for a vibrant nighttime economy and rich leisure and cultural offer”.
The acquisition “begins the recovery of additional floor space,” it added.
The aim is to transform the building into a new exhibition, community and arts facility offering everything from exercise and art classes to meeting rooms and space for outreach services.
“This restoration will bring back a building of great character and will become an important landmark in Wellington city center and a great asset to the community,” the statement added.
CCAC’s Phil Morris-Jones said: “The acquisition of our building marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to providing a vibrant arts and culture center for Wellington and other communities. It will be.”
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to our members, customers, staff, volunteers, Telford & Wrekin City Council and Wellington City Council for supporting us on our journey.”
Councilor Lee Carter, Telford and Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Places (Economy and Neighborhood Services), added: “This acquisition is great news and is testament to Telford and Wrekin Council’s dedication to our local high streets and strengthening our local cultural scene.”
“The council has done a great job securing government funding, but none of these plans will work without an investment of our own funds.
“We are all proud of the council’s continued high street investments in Orbit, Wellington Market, Station Quarter, Theater Quarter Oakengates and in Newport, Madeley, Ironbridge, Dawley, Wellington and Oakengates. It is testament to the council’s commitment to investing in Telford & Wrekin’s future.”