The UK Culture Trust, a nationwide community interest company based in London, has identified restoring The Imperial, a historic Walsall theatre, as a vital step in rejuvenating the town centre.
The Trust plans to apply for an Asset of Community Value (ACV) designation for The Imperial, located on Darwall Street. This status would empower the local community to bid for the Grade II listed building if its private owner decides to sell.
The Imperial’s last use was as a Wetherspoons pub until it closed in 2016, and the building has remained vacant since then. Euan Maybank, Director of the UK Culture Trust and a Walsall resident, emphasized the building’s rich cultural history and untapped commercial potential as a music and comedy venue.
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“It has been a cultural hub since the mid-19th century, originally serving as an agricultural hall where markets, sales, circuses, and performances took place,” Maybank explained. “Later, it was rebuilt as a theatre in the late 19th century, operated as a cinema in the early 20th century, then served as a bingo hall for 50 years before becoming a Wetherspoons pub. Since closing in 2016, it has sadly remained dark.”
Maybank expressed optimism about securing ACV protection, noting the building’s century-long legacy of community engagement. The Imperial was previously considered as a potential site for relocating the Walsall Leather Museum, but the council eventually chose a different location.
Beyond The Imperial, Maybank has also expressed interest in other cherished town centre venues, including the Market Tavern, Highgate Brewery, and the White Lion in Caldmore. These spaces, he says, clearly matter to locals but currently lack beneficial use.
“The reality is that cultural venues, which once generated enough income to sustain themselves, are now facing serious financial challenges,” Maybank said. “Our goal is to safeguard a diverse range of cultural spaces across the UK. While some will turn a profit, others may not—but by diversifying revenue streams, we can support all of them.”
Walsall Council oversees the ACV designation process. Maybank believes The Imperial offers an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate town centre leisure and entertainment. “With the council’s interest in boosting leisure activities downtown, The Imperial is a no-brainer. It’s perfectly positioned to bring vibrant cultural offerings back to Walsall.”
He added that if the current owner cooperates, progress toward restoration could accelerate rapidly, as funding is already available. However, Maybank expressed concern that continued deterioration might force undesirable redevelopment under the guise of public safety.
“The building should not be left empty and neglected,” he asserted. “Many people may undervalue Walsall, but with community ownership and commitment, we can truly transform the town centre. We are ready and eager to take on this challenge—if given the chance.”