The controversial £63 million arts venue The Public has finally opened properly – and the public seem impressed.

Big crowds turned up as it unveiled its interactive gallery, the centrepiece of the attraction, which had been shut since the building first opened its doors in June last year.

The decision to allow free entry to the West Bromwich attraction and a new partnership between Sandwell Arts Trust and the borough council have been hailed as a new chapter in the troubled venue’s history.

A deal between the bodies was struck last Wednesday to save the project.

Doors opened at 10am on Saturday, giving locals their first glimpse of the interactive exhibits available.

And after waiting years to see the results of the massive investment, locals were wowed by the exhibits on display.

Dave and Janet Hill, aged 53 and 50, from Wednesbury, said they were amazed at the works on display.

Mr Hill, a lorry driver, said: “From the outside I thought it looked like a monstrosity, but inside the colours were really vibrant while the staff were friendly and helpful.

“There was a lot of bad press and they kept delaying the opening, but I hope it will be positive now. We’ve come with our kids and granddaughter and they’ve loved it.”

Mrs Hill added: “There’s a lot of young artists in the Midlands and I think it will be valuable for them.”

Phil Spencer, from West Bromwich, said he was pleased with the end product.

He said: “You can see where all the money has gone. I’m just glad it’s finally opened. As a tax payer it’s worrying that so much is being spent on something like this, especially in the recession, but I’m impressed. There’s a real atmosphere and as soon as you walk in the door there are kids everywhere playing with the interactive bits and laughing.”

As well as members of the public, exhibiting artists also turned out for the opening.

Photographer John Bulmer has old photos of the Black Country on display in the gallery for six weeks.

He said: “I think it’s great what it’s trying to do, it’s getting all sorts of people interested in the arts.”

Maggie Firman, manager of the Frank Cohen exhibition, which is also on display, said: “I’m bowled over. It’s something you just have to see to experience. You could spend a whole day here.’’

The Public opened two years late and £15 million over budget last year. But even then, the central gallery remained closed.

The venue will now be open five days a week between Wednesday and Sunday.

General manager of the site, Linda Saunders, said: “The interactive experience has been made simpler and more accessible.

“It is lower tech than the original vision but as a council we have had to make hard decisions about what we can realistically deliver.”