Opinion: Our Council Must Support Essential Museum Project

Published on: 19 Mar, 2019
Updated on: 19 Mar, 2019

By Martin Giles

History is fascinating in its own right. But history also gives a necessary context to what happens today and to our decisions on our future. And Guildford’s rich history and ancient heritage are vital to our local culture and governance.

But in recent years you might not have thought so. The management of Guildford Museum has suffered neglect because our council failed to allocate consideration and resources. But at last, this has been recognised, professional help sought and now there is a good vision and a plan.

Tonight the GBC Executive will decide whether to continue with the proposed project. It represents a significant investment at a time when GBC faces serious financial challenges but the plan expects the council only to provide the £6.5 million already in its provisional budget. The rest, perhaps an additional £12 million, will need to come from fundraising.

Nikki Nelson-Smith, lead councillor for Heritage, made an excellent speech last month to the council, summarised as “Now is no time for faint hearts”. So let’s hope for stout hearts and wisdom at the council Executive meeting. Let us hope they put their full weight behind this important project so our great old borough gets the museum it deserves.

As Gavin Morgan, founder of the Guildford Heritage Forum, will tell the Executive: “Tonight’s vote on Guildford Museum is not just about a vision for the museum. It is about having a vision for the town.”