Proposal from South Swindon Parish Council

Latest information about Apsley House. There has been a proposal from South Swindon Parish Council:

South Swindon Parish Council has passed a resolution at the Full Council meeting, allowing the Parish Chair to begin discussions with Swindon Borough Council regarding a short term transfer of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery, located in Apsley House, Bath Road, to the Parish Council.

The proposed transfer of the facility could see the Parish Council amalgamate the Old Town Library provision into Apsley House adding value to the final proposition. The option would give the Borough Council breathing space to progress their aspirations to provide a purpose built Museum and Art Gallery as part of the cultural quarter offering, currently expected in 2030.

It is also understood that the Borough Council is now considering a temporary move of the Museum and Art Gallery to the first floor of the Civic Building on Euclid Street. This proposal has not been costed or subject to a feasibility study. It is right that the Parish should work with the Borough Council to ensure all options are considered and aim to reopen the doors for the much loved Swindon Museum and Art Gallery at the earliest opportunity.

Cllr Chris Watts, Chair of South Swindon Parish Council says, "I have contacted Swindon Borough Council and requested an initial meeting with the lead member and officers to kickstart discussions on a proposal that could see the Museum and Art Gallery remain at Apsley House. The Parish understands that Apsley House is not the ideal facility to house the town’s Museum and Art Gallery, but in the absence of a viable near term alternative we believe it is imperative for a town the size of Swindon, with aspirations of City status, to ensure such a facility remains open and accessible to the public. We are pleased to have received support from the Friends of the Museum and Art Gallery and the Old Town Business Association.”

Background information:

The Museum and Art Gallery was initially closed at the start of the Pandemic.

 In June 2021, Swindon Borough Council informed Councillors and the Friends of the Museum and Art Gallery that Apsley House would not reopen and the collection would be placed into storage until such time as a new facility in the proposed Cultural Quarter was completed in 2030. The Borough Council also informed stakeholders that Apsley House would be placed on the market for sale.