Taxpayers in the Black Country have been landed with an estimated #40,000 bill to repair a smashed window in Europe's largest community arts centre.
Repair work began yesterday at The Public Arts Centre in Sandwell, designed by architect Will Alsop.
Councillor Tony Ward, the Conservative leader of Sandwell Council, said: "It is reported to have cost about #40,000 to replace this window.
"It would be a disaster if this building wasn't a success."
Construction of the building, initially called the c/PLEX centre, began in 2003 as part of the #500 million regeneration of West Bromwich.
It was meant to provide the area with a venue for theatre, music, dance and creative technology and was originally intended to open in the autumn.
In March, work to develop the arts project was halted after the scheme was placed into administration following mounting cash problems.
The decision was taken after findings from Arts Council of England-appointed auditors revealed the project was heading for more cash problems, with costs spiralling to about #55 million.
The three main stakeholders, The Arts Council of England, Advantage West Midlands and Sandwell Council, abandoned the project last year after the costs rocketed.
