Where is Central St Michael's Sixth Form College in West Bromwich?

 Central St Michaels Sixth Form is on New Street, West Bromwich, B70 7PG. It was The Public until 2013, then Central Sixth Sandwell College until the last renaming.

 

In brief

The Public was built as a public arts venue for Jubilee Arts. Designed by Will Alsop, it was built from 2003. It finally opened to the public in 2008 (ground floor), and in 2009 (up the ramps). But the leader of Sandwell Council decided to close it for good in 2013 (to save money). It got replaced by Central Sixth Sandwell College a year later in 2014 (Sandwell Arts Cafe opened at the same time). It is now called Central St Michaels Sixth Form College, since 2018 (following a merger between Sandwell College and Cadbury College).

The Public, West Bromwich (April 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Public, West Bromwich - history

The architect was Will Alsop. Construction began in 2003, and it missed it's original 2006 opening date due to financial difficulties. There was originally plans to introduce an entrance fee, but this controversial, and was dropped, and by the time it opened in 2008 and 2009, the venue was free to enter. Alsop Architects left the project in 2004, and Julian Flannery of Flannery & de la Pole took control of the design of the interiors. Several details were redesigned including the Theatre, the Pink Tank Cafe and Level 2 Flexible Space. Following various issues, Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council took control of the building in 2009, and established a Sandwell Arts Trust. The building was finally complete in 2010. By the end of June 2013, they reported that over 1,000,000 people had visited. But due to Sandwell Council wanted to cut costs, they closed it for good in November 2013, handing it over to Sandwell College, where it became Central Sixth Sandwell College (from 2014). Today is called Central St Michael's Sixth Form College (from 2018, following a merger between Sandwell College and Cadbury College).

Central Sixth Sandwell College, West Bromwich (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Photo gallery as The Public in 2011

The Public was free to enter, and you could go up and around the ramps and interact with the exhibits. It was very pink on the outside and inside.

The Public, West Bromwich (April 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

For more on The Public follow the link to the post.

 

The Big Sleuth

By the summer of 2017, The Public was now Central Sixth Sandwell College. Part of The Big Sleuth trail around Birmingham and the West Midlands went into West Bromwich. Picnic Time For Teddy Bears was by the artist Cathy Simpson, and was sponsored by The West Brom.

Picnic Time For Teddy Bears outside Central Sixth Sandwell College, West Bromwich (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

West Midlands Cycle Hire

One of the docking points for West Midlands Cycle Hire is outside of Central St Michael's Sixth Form College, not far from New Square.

West Midlands Cycle Hire outside Central St Michael''s Sixth Form College, West Bromwich (August 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Madeleine Carroll memorial

Outside of what was formerly The Public is a memorial to the actress Madeleine Carroll (1906-87). It was erected in 2006-7, as the first part of the Town Square improvements. She starred in Alfred Hitchcock's  'The 39 Steps'. She was born in West Bromwich.

Madeleine Carroll memorial West Bromwich (April 2011). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

It is two massive pieces of polished black and white granite around a 50mm thickness stainless steel 'lollipop stick' support.

Madeleine Carroll memorial West Bromwich (July 2017). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Portrait bust of Phil Lynott

Unrelated to The Public, but a portrait bust / bronze statue by local artist Luke Perry was unveiled on the 20th August 2021, on what would have been Phil Lynott's 72nd birthday (born 20th August 1949, died aged 36 on the 4th January 1986).

Portrait bust of Phil Lynott outside Central St Michael''s Sixth Form College, West Bromwich (January 2023). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Central Saint Michael's Sixth Form College

New Square

New Street

West Bromwich

B70 7PG

0121 667 5100