Museum's relocation vetoed by Reform councillors

Walsall Leather Museum will not face being relocated from its historic home following a decision by the local council's new Reform cabinet.

Councillors were applauded by members of the public as they voted in favour of scrapping the former Conservative administration's decision to move the museum.

They will also look to renegotiate with Walsall College over handing the building's lease over, for the college to use the place for its special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision.

The Tories had pushed through with the contested plans for the move, that were first approved in September 2025, despite calls from residents, councillors and industry professionals not to.

On being elected to run the authority, Reform UK vowed to do everything in its power to reopen the attraction in the former leather factory.

Speaking at the meeting on Wednesday, the council's portfolio holder for culture, health and wellbeing, councillor Matt Eason, said: "The leather museum is about far more than the artefacts it contains.

"The building itself is a key part of the visitor experience. It provides authenticity, character and a direct connection to the borough's industrial heritage that would be extremely difficult to recreate elsewhere.

"The strength of public feeling on this issue has been clear."

Lauren Broxton has long campaigned to keep the museum at its current site and said the new decision was the right one.

"It's still sinking in... because so many of us on the campaign had been fighting for so long," she said.

"The original site adds to the historical context, the understanding and the story of Walsall leather. There's not a lot of buildings like that left in Walsall.

"It's a very symbolic building and it made sense from the very beginning that this is wrong... it's going to be very hard to replicate anywhere else."

Eason acknowledged the fact that a lease had been signed for the new SEND school.

"Funding arrangements will need to be reviewed and discussions will be required with Walsall College to find a constructive way forward," he added.

"We believe retaining the Walsall Leather Museum in its historic home is the right long-term decision for the borough."

The building was, earlier this year, awarded Grade II Listed status following an application by the now-deputy leader of the authority, councillor Nicky Barker.

At the meeting, Barker said: "I would just like to say that Walsall Leather Museum's home at Littleton Street West is central to its character.

"Retaining it there gives us the best opportunity to protect the important part of Walsall's identity.

"The report is clear about the legal, financial and practical issues that must be managed, but I believe it is the right approach to safeguard a distinctive heritage asset and take the next steps carefully, transparently and responsibly."

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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