Plans for new Swindon Museum and Art Gallery to go on display to the public

Last December, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed to use the whole of the first floor of the Civic Offices in Euclid Street for the museum and art gallery in order to create additional space for permanent and temporary exhibitions, and ensure schools could benefit from new formal and informal learning programmes.

A change of use planning application for the new facility has been approved and a Listed Building application is currently being assessed.

A public session is being held on Wednesday, 19 October at the Civic Offices starting at 4.45pm for anyone who would like to hear more about the new venue.

There will also be an opportunity for people to contribute to the development and use of the new exhibition spaces that are planned, as well as the chance to view the current ‘Highlights from the Swindon Collection’ and ‘A Celebration of Colour’ exhibitions, which are currently on display on the ground floor of the Civic Offices.

A separate session is also being held on the day for local schools.

With the Civic Offices providing 40 per cent more display space compared to its previous home at Apsley House in Old Town, the new venue will also provide improved working conditions and additional areas for staff, volunteers and researchers, presenting an opportunity to restart the museum and art gallery’s volunteer programme.

A space will be developed as a school learning and lunchroom, which will also be used to host museum events, especially those aimed at families and focusing on the museum and art gallery’s extensive collections.

It is anticipated that the first phase of the new venue will be open to the public in the spring.

The temporary home at the Civic Offices, which is close to the town centre and will have dedicated coach parking, would be used as a medium-term solution for the museum and art gallery while plans to build a purpose-built facility as part of Swindon’s proposed Cultural Quarter come forward.

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “This is a great opportunity for local people to find out a bit more about our exciting plans for the new home of the museum and art gallery.

“The additional floor space at the Civic Offices will allow us to bring our fantastic art and heritage artefacts to life for more residents to enjoy, and the potential to expand our learning programme and have more schools visiting the collections is a huge plus point.

“Myself and our officers would love to talk you through the various exhibition spaces that will be available to get your views.”