The Beecroft Art Gallery

I am delighted to see the Beecroft Gallery now opening in its new home in the old central library building in Victoria Avenue. When the new Forum project started to take shape the issue of what to do with the old building needed to be addressed. Various options were considered to include the possibility of using it for a new school, before the present plan was devised. The original building housing the Beecroft was always intended as a temporary home. It was in poor structural condition and was not particularly accessible. It did not do justice to the gallery itself which at times has risked being too much of a "hidden gem". The new home will provide far enhanced facilities and a home in the middle of the town which will hopefully encourage ever greater numbers of visitors. It is good to see a further initiative of the last Administration coming to fruition.