Plans to relocate Carmarthenshire Museum to town 'cultural centre'

A RADICAL plan to safeguard the future of Carmarthenshire Museum has been proposed — by moving it to a new building in the centre of town.

County councillor Alun Lenny said he thought the museum could be integrated with the town library in King Street.

It is hoped the move would boost the number of visitors, including tourists and locals alike.

His idea is to create a "cultural centre" with the museum, library, art galleries and St Peter's Church all close to each other.

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The museum could use the downstairs rooms at the library and even incorporate exhibitions in the library itself, such as on the landing between the floors.

At the moment, the museum is housed at the impressive former Bishop's Palace in Abergwili.

"It's a magnificent building," said Mr Lenny, "but the tragedy is that it's too far away."

He said tourists on the town trail routinely ask where the museum is but do not have the time to travel out of town.

The museum was also under threat last year because the council was looking to cut costs.

"The current situation is aggravated by two things — the condition of the current building and the financial constraints on the county council," said Mr Lenny.

Law

He said the council was not required by law to have a museum, but it must keep the library.

"Yes, it would be a smaller museum but there is also the older Furnace House building next door," he said.

"If we could put it there we could have this cultural centre there and the museum would be a key part of that.

"This is something to keep the museum going and move forward.

"It is sad the museum is not working at Abergwili but the reality, from a financial point of view, means we have to have a more central and convenient place."

He said he wanted to hear from people about what they want for their museum.

Backing Mr Lenny's idea, Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths added: "We wanted to put this idea out there and see what people think.

"I am big believer in asking people's opinions before we make decisions."

He said he believed it made sense to move the museum.

"People become attached to a place and don't like to see things changed, but we have to think about the long-term future of the museum," he said.

No formal proposal has been put before Carmarthenshire Council.

A county council spokesman said the authority was looking at options for the museum.

"We are currently undertaking a service review which is looking at a range of options for the future delivery and development of the museums service and individual museums," he said.

"This should be completed by the end of the year."