North Swindon MP Showcases Design For New State-Of-The-Art Museum & Art Gallery

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson has hosted a display for the general public at his office in the Orbital Shopping Park, which showcased the design for the highly anticipated, proposed Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

The event was an opportunity for the public to come along and ask questions regarding the new project, and of Rod Hebden, the interim director of the proposed building, who was able to provide key information about the project and what it entails.

Justin hosted the public drop-in event across the afternoon and evening, allowing local residents to see the designs, taking the form of an incredibly detailed MDF model. The design proposes a butterfly-shaped structure for the building, complete with an open space, roof-garden for the public and amble space for a café and gift shop on the ground floor.

The museum and gallery will house the significant and nationally admired collection of modern art, most of which has been acquired and left to the people of Swindon to enjoy by the late Lord Joel Joffe.

It is the intention of the Trust behind the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery (SMAG), that the new space will become an integral part of Swindon’s new cultural quarter, and will be the envy of towns and cities across the country for displaying both local and national heritage

Justin Tomlinson MP said: "I was very pleased to host this event in my Community Office. Like many fellow local residents, I have heard lots said about the new museum and art gallery, so it was great to finally see the designs for myself and give other residents the opportunity to do so as well.”

Chair of the SMAG Trust, Robert Hiscox said: “Swindon is a thriving town in beautiful countryside with easy access through rail and road for millions of people.  The Council identified the need for a cultural quarter, and the new museum and art gallery will give it a heart and a centre for the local community. It will also benefit the town’s economy by making Swindon a destination for visitors and businesses.”