The Community Asset Transfer, on a peppercorn rent basis, will enable the charity - based off Henwood Road at the former Tettenhall Railway Station Goods Depot - to secure grant funding and support the continued delivery of its museum and community involvement, as well as develop its educational curriculum support around Wolverhampton’s role in the Second World War.
The museum was established in 2014 to inform and educate people on the transport and industrial heritage of the city and the building currently provides the base for the Tettenhall Engine Club, The Heritage Model Club and The Boulton Paul Association.
The TTHC is run by volunteers, who link up with other local organisations and also undertake guided walks to highlight the important transport heritage of the neighbouring Smestow Valley.
The long term lease will give TTHC the platform to further develop the property internally to improve accessibility to both floors of the museum and assist the charity with its bid to become an Accredited Museum with the West Midlands Museum Service.
The proposed Community Asset Transfer is due to be discussed at the Council’s Cabinet Resources Panel on Wednesday (23 February).
Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, said: “We have been working closely with Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre’s executive team to put this community asset transfer proposal together.
“It is an excellent example of a community led organisation developing a surplus council asset and retaining it for use within the community.
“The full business case they have put forward means the long term future of this popular centre is secure and will provide an invaluable contribution to the local area.
“As well as celebrating Wolverhampton’s rich history, it will also draw footfall to Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve and support the local economy.
“We will, of course, continue to assist the tenant with the management of the asset and I am looking forward to seeing the centre build on its popularity over the coming years.”
TTHC operate on a not for profit basis with any surpluses generated being reinvested back into the museum and building, with over £45,000 invested to date.
Alec Brew, Tettenhall Transport Heritage Centre Curator and Chair of Trustees, added: “This is great news for the centre. It helps us secure the long term future of the museum, which is already a real asset to the city.
“The Council has been very supportive and helpful ever since we started using the building in 2014 and the new lease will now enable us to bid for grant funding and work towards accredited museum status.”
The TTHC is currently open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. For further information please visit the Facebook page or call 07907470015.
