A NEW cultural hub will be created in Old Town if a plan to move the local library into the Arts Centre goes ahead.

Swindon Borough Council wants to transform the Arts Centre, in Devizes Road, by moving Old Town Library there and creating a new cafe and bar area, box office, studio and meeting room, as well as improving signs.

Up to £300,000 has been earmarked for the project, which will be met through the council’s capital funds programme, with additional money from the Arts Council, landowner agreements and donations from the Friends Of Swindon Arts Centre.

The studio would allow for small-scale cultural events and activities to be staged, such as reading groups, pre-school activities and music events .

New shelving and computers for internet access, as well as an improved book stock, would be installed in the library.

Staff from Old Town Library would move to the Arts Centre and work for the same number of hours but a self-service machine would be provided to enable people to pick up and drop off books out of staffed hours.

The refurbishment is subject to planning permission which, if granted, would lead to a consultation period with the Friends Of Old Town Library, the Friends Of The Arts Centre and Old Town residents.

It is hoped work could start on the project in the coming months, with the first phase completed by the end of this year.

The consultation will allow people to contribute ideas for the books they would like to see in the new library, say how they would like to see the space used and express views on how library staff hours are allocated.

Coun Fionuala Foley (Con, Old Town and Lawn)), the Cabinet Member for Local Environment and Corporate Affairs, said: “This is a really exciting project which will enhance the Arts Centre as a venue for culture. If planning is approved the refurbishment will enable us to provide improved library facilities for users of Old Town Library and the new café and box office will be a meeting place for the community.

“The new studio space would also be a welcome addition to the current facilities at the Arts Centre.”

But library campaigner Shirley Burnham (Lib Dem), who is standing for election in the Old Town and Lawn ward, criticised the design of the new library, saying there were not enough windows.

“A library with multiple doors and no windows is a farce,” she said.

“It sounds as though this move is being driven by the council’s management of its property portfolio, with no regard to residents’ needs.”

She said there should have been proper consultation with residents and interested parties before the plans were drawn up.

But Conservative candidate, Coun Brian Mattock, said the proposals were discussed at a recent area panel meeting.

He said: “The residents’ associations and members of the public really welcomed the initiative and thought it was a great way of bringing all the facilities together and attracting more people to Old Town.”

Cindy Matthews, the Labour candidate for Old Town and Lawn, said although she had not seen the plans she would welcome a library remaining in Old Town.

She said: “I think it would be quite a good option, because not all the rooms in the Arts Centre are being used.”

The Advertiser was unable to contact fellow candidates Meryl Grant (Green) or Noel Gardner (UKIP).