Music venue renamed under university partnership

The move will include development opportunities and access to pre-sale tickets

A historic music venue in Wolverhampton is to be renamed as it partners with a university.

The University of Wolverhampton announced it was the "new naming rights holder" for The Halls, which reopened last May after a £48m revamp.

The university said "the cornerstone of the partnership" was training and development that would give students industry experience, such as in marketing and business.

The 85-year-old music venue, which has recently hosted artists including Blur and Robert Plant, will now be called University of Wolverhampton at The Halls.

The Halls include the Civic and Wulfrun Hall venues

The university said its own "deep roots in the local and regional communities" and nearly 200-year history made it the perfect partner for the site in North Street.

A spokesperson said of the industry experience plans: "The programme is still being developed but it's expected that it will focus on providing a wide range of opportunities for students including those studying business and marketing courses."

The partnership also means its students and staff will be able to buy tickets for a 24-hour pre-sale period.

Prof Ebrahim Adia, the university's vice chancellor, said it was excited to partner with a venue that "attracts high-profile artists and speakers to the city".

It would further enrich "the cultural and economic landscape of Wolverhampton and its night-time economy", he said.

Will Dowdy, from the venue's operator AEG Europe, added: "We’re delighted to bring together two stalwarts of the local community through this partnership, which will benefit students and staff.

"We’re excited to see how the partnership will develop over the years."