Link Magazine article

The latest Link magazine article 'Future of museum and art gallery in safe hands...' features an interview with the new SMAG director, Rod Hebden. Regarding the Carriage Works proposal, Rod says he considered the Carriage Works early in the process but dismisses its viability by saying 'I have concluded that it is simply not the right building there are a lot of reasons why it could not go there.' Link does not ask for clarification of these reasons – another stunning example of media reporting around this issue. Apart from the argument presented by SBC that the Carriage Works were not considered as they were not owned by SBC (a ridiculous argument given that other appraisal options were also not owned by SBC and Network Rail had offered the Carriage Works to SBC), no other arguments against the suitability of the Carriage Works for a museum and art gallery have been presented by the decision-makers. Yet, other cities happily make great use of spaces similar to the Carriage Works for museums and art galleries. Is this to be typical of how things are done in Swindon? Decisions made, with a lack of clarity and public consultation,in total isolation of what is good practice elsewhere? The SMAG new-build proposal will not go to the HLF until November, so there is still time to collect more signatures. There is a printable version of a PDF petition available for any of your less computer-savvy friends and neighbours -- please message for a link.