From Walsall to Worcester, architects are providing innovative and attractive local amenities. Here, Building showcases seven inspirational projects.
Children's theatre, Warwick

Britain's first purpose-built theatre for young people, the Dream Factory in Warwick, is nearing completion.

The competition-winning design by Glenn Howells Architects of Birmingham features a rectilinear, metal-clad auditorium flanked by timber ancillary rooms and surmounted by a tilting, lightweight canopy. Precast concrete panels provide a novel, speedily erected acoustic enclosure.

Porcelain museum, Worcester

This modern extension of the Museum of Worcester Porcelain was completed last year to designs by local architect Wheatley Taylor Stainburn Lines. The brick and glass extension, which contains a large exhibition/lecture space, was part of a £950 000 refurbishment of the museum. The project was grant-aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Bus station, Walsall

Construction is under way on Walsall Bus Station, shown here as a CAD image. London architect Allford Hall Monagham Morris' competition-winning design features 11 bus stands topped by an elliptical concrete canopy punctured by circular rooflights and supported on slender steel trees.

'Loft' conversion, Birmingham

A 1960s concrete high-rise was converted from a BT office to desirable city-centre apartments designed by Bryant Priest Newman. The first owners moved into Millennium Apartments last month.

Arts centre, Aston

Completed last year, the Drum is a conversion of the former Aston Hippodrome designed by Associated Architects. It functions as a cultural arts centre for Birmingham and provides an exhibition space, bars, an auditorium and café.

Cricket school, Edgbaston

This CAD montage shows David Morley Architects' and Bryant Priest Newman's design for an indoor cricket centre for Warwickshire County Cricket Club. Work is due to start later this month.

Arts centre, Hereford

The £3.6m Centre for the Arts in Hereford was completed last year to the design of Glenn Howells Architects of Birmingham. Two stone auditoria are enclosed within a glass wrapping, with the foyer and circulation area are in the intermediate spaces.

West Midlands