West Berkshire Museum Redevelopment Project – Consultation Begins

Following a successful first round application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in 2010 West Berkshire Council appointed Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams Ltd as architects for the redevelopment project.  Also part of the project team is Houghton Kneale Design Ltd who are responsible for the design of exhibition, display, interpretative and learning content. These two teams have been working with Museum staff over the last few months on the design ideas for the redeveloped museum.

The public are invited to see their ideas and comment on the proposals during a consultation period which kicks off at the Kennet Centre, Newbury on Friday 23rd September and closes on Wednesday 12th October. For further details of other exhibition venues across the District or to view an on-line version visit our website http://www.westberks.gov.uk/museumconsultation

NOTES

Aims of the Redevelopment
The Museum needs redeveloping to make it fit for the needs of users and visitors and to deal with problems that have developed over time. We need to:
*     Carry out substantial repairs to the historic fabric of the historic Grade I Cloth Hall and Grade II* Corn Stores at the Wharf
*     Deal with health and safety issues including fire safety
*     Enable all visitors to have full access to all parts of the Museum
*     Create displays, exhibitions and interpretative materials that meet the needs of all visitors
*     Display more of the Museum’s collections
*     Provide facilities for formal and informal learning
*     Improve and increase visitor services and facilities, eg reception, shop, refreshments, toilets. It is also intended to create a new entrance and access hub, replacing the 20th century link building
The theme for the Museum is creating a Sense of Place; this means working with communities to understand what West Berkshire has been, is now and might be in the future.

Funding
The capital costs will be met by a combination of Council funding and external sources. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) made a Round One grant of £84,500 during 2010 towards development costs, eg architect's fees. It is hoped to submit a Round Two application to the HLF for around £990,000 by March 2012.  The Council expects to make grant applications for around £250,000 to funding bodies and the commercial sector. The Headley Trust has already pledged £40,000 towards the project (subject to HLF funding).

Quoted from Administrator

West Berkshire Museum Redevelopment Project – Consultation Begins

* It is also intended to create a new entrance and access hub, replacing the 20th century link building
The theme for the Museum is creating a Sense of Place; this means working with communities to understand what West Berkshire has been, is now and might be in the future.

I'll pop down the Kennet Centre and tell WBC what I think at the weekend. They haven't asked me whether I want them to tear down part of the museum. I'm not sure I do. Apart from that it's good news.

If you're wondering what money was available and how it was spent then here is a potted history.
The RBF&RS fire officer’s enforcement notice in 2008  resulted in closure of the museum while remedial works were carried out, re-opening in October 2008 but with limitations on access. It was clear that the museum collection must be moved into storage but due to access problems that didn’t start until January 2011.
Architectural consultants who were familiar with the building were employed in November 2008 at a cost of £4,660, producing a report, available in April 2009. The report identified a cost of £653,453 to bring the building up to standard. This was no surprise as they had produced surveys in 1994 and 2004, before the new regulations came into force, which gave costings of £500,000 at that time. So, a duplicate report in 2009 for which WBC paid them £4,660 and waited five months for. No clear how much the other consultative reports cost though.
The museum received a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £40,000 in January 2008 which along with a further £25,000 from WBC, allowed consultants to prepare a four point plan. Viz an Access plan, a Audience development plan, a Conservation plan and a Collection management plan.
A further HLF grant in June 2010 of £84,500 matched by a WBC spend in September 2010 of £84,500 gave the museum £169,000 to spend on design consultants for the new build elements, refurbishment display spaces and visitor facilities.
The total costs to WBC were £105,00 with a further £124,500 from the HLF for the consultation costs to the end of 2011.
Public consultation planned for September/October 2011 as reported on the opening post.
The museum, subject to grants being approved is due to open in 2014 and there may be access to the stored, archived paper material, for researchers in 2012 at the storage location. So, if you are researching for post graduate purposes or commercial purposes or whatever, no access until then as has been the case since the documentation section was closed because of H&S reasons. The museum freely admits that there is no adequate documentation catalogue available. This is because “the museum has been open since 1904” and the staff although working to the new SPECTRUM standard recognise there is a backlog but are now working with improved computer systems to achieve the appropriate standard.

Quoted from Administrator

The theme for the Museum is creating a Sense of Place; this means working with communities to understand what West Berkshire has been, is now and might be in the future.

So they're admitting they don't know?


Threep

Quoted from Threepwood

So they're admitting they don't know?  Threep

Oops.  

Here is an architect drawing of the rebuilt museum...standard WBC approach...here's one idea. Do you like it?

They've clearly learnt nothing from the shameful pavilion exercise.

If anyone's in Kennet Centre today, go and tell WBC NOT to start tearing down part of our museum.

Everything else can be accommodated in the building as is though they might have to evict some of the other tenants again.

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=29065&p=0

Quoted from Muddler

Here is an architect drawing of the rebuilt museum...standard WBC approach...here's one idea. Do you like it?

They've clearly learnt nothing from the shameful pavilion exercise.

If anyone's in Kennet Centre today, go and tell WBC NOT to start tearing down part of our museum.

Everything else can be accommodated in the building as is though they might have to evict some of the other tenants again.

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=29065&p=0

Or you could always fill in the online form giving your views.

Seems to bizarre to knock an organisation for suggesting what they might do then asking what people think of it, but I guess you can be forgiven for this as you were posting at 5:50am.

Quoted from user23.3

but I guess you can be forgiven for this as you were posting at 5:50am.

Your point?

I'm not sure how keen I am on the slab of white wall in the pic but I'm sure it'll be fine and I like the pebble dash effect.  Better go and have a look at the models later.

Looking a the pic I'd guess that the words 'creative destruction' have been uttered at least once around the conference tables in Market Street while this was being discussed  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_destruction

Quoted from noobree

I'm not sure how keen I am on the slab of white wall in the pic but I'm sure it'll be fine and I like the pebble dash effect.  Better go and have a look at the models later.

Looking a the pic I'd guess that the words 'creative destruction' have been uttered at least once around the conference tables in Market Street while this was being discussed  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_destruction

I agree - and the roof line could be improved!

I like the use of glass, shame they didn't use more on Parkway, it may have looked better with the Park reflected in it. But of course we had WBC's friendly architect with all his leftover cladding!

CALL MY BLUFF

(no longer presented by Robert Robinson)

Ding! and the next phrase is 'honestly modern'


"'honestly modern’ "

This is usually architect speak for "well, we did a design for Hemel Hempstead but didn't get it, so rather than waste it, we're gonna use a bit of it here, even though it doesn't work in with the surroundings.  Still, saves time and money eh?........just don't tell the client, mum's the word"


"'honestly modern’ "

Simple. This is often translated as 'Brutal'. "Last we heard Bale wanted a pyramid, so think yourself lucky chummy".


"'honestly modern’ "

"Look, to be honest mate, we aint got a chuffin' clue, it's a bloody old building with all  wood and stuff, and we're a modern architects office, came as a complete surprise we got the gig in the first place. All we know is glass and steel. Waddya expect? Barry's been up all night on this one".


Will W.B.C be able to tell which is 'True' and which is 'Bluff', or do they not have the vision?


Threep.

Quoted from Muddler

Here is an architect drawing of the rebuilt museum...standard WBC approach...here's one idea. Do you like it?

They've clearly learnt nothing from the shameful pavilion exercise.

If anyone's in Kennet Centre today, go and tell WBC NOT to start tearing down part of our museum.

Everything else can be accommodated in the building as is though they might have to evict some of the other tenants again.

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=29065&p=0

Are they seriously intending to graft this hideous modern excrescence onto a historic building?

What would Prince Charles say?

Quoted from Muddler

Here is an architect drawing of the rebuilt museum...standard WBC approach...here's one idea. Do you like it?

They've clearly learnt nothing from the shameful pavilion exercise.

If anyone's in Kennet Centre today, go and tell WBC NOT to start tearing down part of our museum.

Everything else can be accommodated in the building as is though they might have to evict some of the other tenants again.

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=29065&p=0

I like the glass bit, but couldn't they do something about those old tatty bits either end?

Seriously, is this a real proposal?  What is wrong with using architects to design something modest that is commensurate with the surroundings, for heaven's sake!

[quote=28]

I like the glass bit, but couldn't they do something about those old tatty bit either end?

Seriously, is this a real proposal?  What is wrong with using architects to design something modest that is commensurate with the surroundings, for heaven's sake![/quote]

That is the main problem. Architects! They probably have some left over tat from Parkway? Or the only Architect WBC are allowed to use has been on a modernisation course. Glass is the in thing now don't you know? Wooden cladding only to be used until all the leftovers from the Pavillion that has now been denied to Newbury are used.

I think it an outrage that the silly people of Newbury just do not realise what they are going to miss by turning down the most genorous gift of the Pavillion, not to mention all the effort that has gone into designing a Pavillion that would have blended in so well with all the other designs planned for Victoria Park.

This new modern design for the museum, that blends so well with it's historical surroundings, really must go ahead it will enhance the Wharf area and will bring accolades of praise from fellow designers.

Why do they not just get 40 or so bulldozers line abreast at the top of the A339 at the College roundabout and head them straight for the Vodafone roundabout by the headquarters? Job done Newbury properly vandalised instead of doing it in this piecemeal way?

We could then let the Newbury Architect loose and have a Newbury fit for purpose at last with a modern town bristiling with timber, steel and glass that any one who hated old historic towns would be proud to live in.  

Quoted from user23.3

but I guess you can be forgiven for this as you were posting at 5:50am.

Your point, User?

Quoted from Brewmaster

Are they seriously intending to graft this hideous modern excrescence onto a historic building?

What would Prince Charles say?

Probably the same as me ... what the hell are they thinking of.  

Quoted from Brewmaster

Are they seriously intending to graft this hideous modern excrescence onto a historic building?

What would Prince Charles say?

He would not be talking to the trees he would be having a good talk to the council!

I am convinced someone at the council has a very large wager that they can irate the taxpayers of Newbury as quick as the blink of an eye?
After all someone must be proposing this as a bet?  

Quoted from noobree

Your point, User?

He's obviously implying that you are somewhat weired to be posting at that time.  User has a 'fetish' about when people post.

Quoted from user23.3

Or you could always fill in the online form giving your views.

Why bother? WBC will totally ignore your views anyway. They make a decision then totally ignore the views of the populace.

Quoted from 26

Why bother? WBC will totally ignore your views anyway. They make a decision then totally ignore the views of the populace.

Let's wait and see what happens on the arts pavilion, I suppose they might be said to be listening on that but it's probably more a case of the financials not working.

We'll also need to find out what they're planning for the rest of that area.  I'm told the Waterside is virtually dead these days following the council's demolition of youth services so there's probably no point in replacing it. They might as well build some luxury flats and pocket the proceeds.

What a surprise. I was in the Kennet Centre Saturday morning and no sign of any consultation. Wandered around twice in case they were hiding. That's how interested they are in local opinion.

Quoted from Muddler

What a surprise. I was in the Kennet Centre Saturday morning and no sign of any consultation. Wandered around twice in case they were hiding. That's how interested they are in local opinion.

It was there 11:30-4:30 on Friday - apparently 5 hours is enough consultation for Newbury. It will also be shown in Thatcham, Lambourn and a couple of other places. https://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=23764

Heaven forfend that they should show it anywhere on a Saturday or Sunday or even an evening, when workers can get to see it.

Quoted from blackdog

Heaven forfend that they should show it anywhere on a Saturday or Sunday or even an evening, when workers can get to see it.

Do you blame them after the 'hassle' they cause themselves with the pavilion design being shown at the weekend!  

Some time ago the rather lamentable GMTV held a 'phone-in' poll whereby people who were interested could vote on wether it was better for Mums to stay at home with the toddlers or try to make ends meet by going out to work.

All very good and all very commendable.

The vote was over 90% in favour of Mums staying at home.

The Poll was held every day for a week at 09.15. (anyone see what they did there)?

One of the ways you can malipulate an outcome is to be very careful as to who you invite responses from.

W.B.C got a bloody-nose over the Pavillion. They aint about to let it happen again.



Threep.

Quoted from Muddler

What a surprise. I was in the Kennet Centre Saturday morning and no sign of any consultation. Wandered around twice in case they were hiding. That's how interested they are in local opinion.

The display was there on Saturday, near the entrance to the car park, coming from the centre. There were no humans ( or WBC staff ) but the display was there.
It took me 2 goes to find it.

The council probably have an overtime ban on!  

Quoted from booboo

The display was there on Saturday, near the entrance to the car park, coming from the centre. There were no humans ( or WBC staff ) but the display was there.
It took me 2 goes to find it.

Thanks booboo. I may as well do it online then if there's no one to speak to about it. I want to see the other designs.

Quoted from Muddler

Thanks booboo. I may as well do it online then if there's no one to speak to about it. I want to see the other designs.

There are no other designs wysiwyg.

The choice is you either like it or you don't

Quoted from BrianB

There are no other designs wysiwyg.

The choice is you either like it or you don't

So some bloke that lives in Swindon picked it.

Quoted from BrianB

There are no other designs wysiwyg.

The choice is you either like it or you don't

Confusing! So how does WBC ensure it's gathering the best ideas? High performing organisations constantly test customer opinion to improve. Surely WBC want to be high performing. So there's nothing to lose.

I'm a bit mystified about what WBC consider the dates/times for the public display.
The Web site says...

The public are invited to see their ideas and comment on the proposals during a consultation period which kicks off at the Kennet Centre, Newbury on Friday 23rd September and closes on Wednesday 12th October, at the following locations...

Friday 23rd September, Kennet Centre, Newbury  11.30-4.30

Monday 26th September,Kingsland Centre, Thatcham 11.30-4.00

Tuesday 27th September,  Hungerford Library 10.00-2.30

Tuesday 27th September, Theale Library 3.30-5.00

Wednesday 28th September, Lambourn Library 10.30-12.30

Agreed the consulation opportunity closes on 12th October but given the times the display is available, anybody who works anywhere out of the town centre will not get the opportunity to have a look. So, the consultation will be, as Threep suggests, made up of those persons who can get to the display. Mums, old folks and the unemployed. I missed out as I assumed it would be in the KC for several days. My fault for not reading the small print. I have sufficient interest in what WBC are doing to our heritage that I will go to Hungerford tomorrow.
This really is not good enough and is an example of the project being rammed through, it is not a public consultation in the true sense of the word. I already have major reservations about the mis management of our museum. This just compounds it for me.

Quoted from Muddler

Confusing! So how does WBC ensure it's gathering the best ideas? High performing organisations constantly test customer opinion to improve. Surely WBC want to be high performing. So there's nothing to lose.

That explains why they are not trying very hard to gather the best ideas then?   WBC always know what is best for the taxpayers so no need for a survey! I am unable to understand why an external design more in keeping with the existing surroundings could not have been produced with a modern interior?

Quoted from brian

I'm a bit mystified about what WBC consider the dates/times for the public display.
The Web site says...

The public are invited to see their ideas and comment on the proposals during a consultation period which kicks off at the Kennet Centre, Newbury on Friday 23rd September and closes on Wednesday 12th October, at the following locations...

Friday 23rd September, Kennet Centre, Newbury  11.30-4.30

Monday 26th September,Kingsland Centre, Thatcham 11.30-4.00

Tuesday 27th September,  Hungerford Library 10.00-2.30

Tuesday 27th September, Theale Library 3.30-5.00

Wednesday 28th September, Lambourn Library 10.30-12.30

Agreed the consulation opportunity closes on 12th October but given the times the display is available, anybody who works anywhere out of the town centre will not get the opportunity to have a look. So, the consultation will be, as Threep suggests, made up of those persons who can get to the display. Mums, old folks and the unemployed. I missed out as I assumed it would be in the KC for several days. My fault for not reading the small print. I have sufficient interest in what WBC are doing to our heritage that I will go to Hungerford tomorrow.
This really is not good enough and is an example of the project being rammed through, it is not a public consultation in the true sense of the word. I already have major reservations about the mis management of our museum. This just compounds it for me.

It helps the statistics at the end of the consultation when the council state "not many taxpayers were interested enough to give an opinion". They obviously have their doubts about the design themselves if they are making it almost impossible for taxpayers who work, to view or comment on the consultation.

Quoted from Cognosco

It helps the statistics at the end of the consultation when the council state "not many taxpayers were interested enough to give an opinion". They obviously have their doubts about the design themselves if they are making it almost impossible for taxpayers who work, to view or comment on the consultation.

I wonder if anyone thought of putting in the library, close as it is to the building in question.  

We can safely assume that all the Conservative councillors, senior WBC staff, the architects and User think that the design is wonderful.  Has anyone come across anyone else who actually likes it?

Yes, I came across a chappie at the exhibition who said he liked it.....

....or at least I think that's what he said, I was busy stroking his guide dog at the time.


Threep.

Actually, when you look close up at the 1930s building that the new development is due to replace it is pretty awful. I wonder if anyone complained about that at the time. What's proposed is certainly very much better than what's there in my view and it would be good to have a decent museum.

Correct up to a point. What's there already may well be be a nonsense, but that's all the more reason to construct something great now isn't it?. We have a chance to make up for the lack-lustre blankness of the last 80 years. We have a chance to make amends, to stimulate, to enhance. To show imagination.

What we got instead is a heap of dingo's kidneys with no competition.

I won't bore you with all of "Threep's Law's" now, but Threep's Law number 3 states "just because A is better than B, doesn't mean A is any damn good"   After all, one broken arm is better than two broken arms, but you don't really want a broken arm to start with, do you?

Anyone know who at the Council decided to appoint this shower of ballon-heads to do this to us?


Threep.

If one has only seen the awful artisit's impression and if that was it, then it is a sad reflection on the quality of the architect, but having seen the model in Hungerford today, I'm OK with the design. The join between the two buildings is mainly glass and the block in the centre which is a lift shaft apparently, is much slimmer with a glass panel in it to break up the blank wall.

According to the museum manager who was there, that isn't necessarily what the final design will be, it depends on feedback from the public. For all those who couldn't see the model, it is hoped to put it in one of the granary bay windows for all to see.

There you go then. The architect only did one design by the way so there's not likely to be anything else before work starts in 2013.

Please make your comments either for or against.

https://www.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=23764

Quoted from brian

According to the museum manager who was there, that isn't necessarily what the final design will be, it depends on feedback from the public.

Help me out here, are they saying that if the majority don't like it  then it won't get built? Are they saying if the majority want it painted yelllow, they'd do it? Or if we wanted it based on Neuschwanstein Castle then they'd go away and do it?

What exactly are they going to let us do?


Threep.

Neuschwanstein Castle? google it.

Quoted from brian

If one has only seen the awful artisit's impression and if that was it, then it is a sad reflection on the quality of the architect, but having seen the model in Hungerford today, I'm OK with the design. The join between the two buildings is mainly glass and the block in the centre which is a lift shaft apparently, is much slimmer with a glass panel in it to break up the blank wall.

According to the museum manager who was there, that isn't necessarily what the final design will be, it depends on feedback from the public. For all those who couldn't see the model, it is hoped to put it in one of the granary bay windows for all to see.

There you go then. The architect only did one design by the way so there's not likely to be anything else before work starts in 2013.

So what are they asking an opinion for? If your above statement is correct then it is a case of like it or lump it!
Typical council - we want your opinion but you have no choice so do you want it or not because that is what you are getting!  

The Wharf consultation is scheduled to start in four months' time, so surely it would have made sense  to do the whole thing in one.

Maybe these guys can help in future.

http://www.consultationinstitute.org/services/

Quoted from Muddler

The Wharf consultation is scheduled to start in four months' time, so surely it would have made sense  to do the whole thing in one.

Maybe these guys can help in future.

http://www.consultationinstitute.org/services/

Actually it would be insane to do the whole thing in one if lottery funding is involved.  The facts are that it is far easier to get regional lottery funding (max £999,999) as applied for by the museum project than a national award (£1,000,000+).  Splitting the work means that regional funding can be sought for both the museum and the pavillion (if such is still in the plan).

Quoted from Cognosco

So what are they asking an opinion for? If your above statement is correct then it is a case of like it or lump it!
Typical council - we want your opinion but you have no choice so do you want it or not because that is what you are getting!  

That's about it I beleieve, Steph the manager indicated that the funding for the design was spent and there wouldn't be anything left for further designs. I wondered about that and asked why there was a consultation and the answer was that if the consensus was against the overall design then that would be factored in. Not exactly his wording but what was implied.
There was not much to say about the interior design and that of course is a problem in a long thin building but, there is a lift at the Eastern end and one in the new central area and the whole ground and first floor of the grain store will house newly designed exhibition cabinets. The document viewing and research area will be above the entrance area. You can see the design on the pdf document referred to earlier.
Access to the museum is from the Wharf side but there will be a ramped access from the car park at the rear.
The grant process requires the museum to be treated as a separate item due to the way funding works, as per Blackdog's post.

Quoted from Threepwood

Correct up to a point. What's there already may well be be a nonsense, but that's all the more reason to construct something great now isn't it?. We have a chance to make up for the lack-lustre blankness of the last 80 years. We have a chance to make amends, to stimulate, to enhance. To show imagination.

What we got instead is a heap of dingo's kidneys with no competition.

I won't bore you with all of "Threep's Law's" now, but Threep's Law number 3 states "just because A is better than B, doesn't mean A is any damn good"   After all, one broken arm is better than two broken arms, but you don't really want a broken arm to start with, do you?

Anyone know who at the Council decided to appoint this shower of ballon-heads to do this to us?


Threep.

Or we could do it with Threep's way > try A, no, B, no, C no, D no, E, no, F, no, £billions of tax payers money hiring consultants, doing surveys, meetings, protests, terrabytes of space rented to host newbury.net's forum, Q, no, R, no, building collapses through no money left to do anything, Newbury gets less and less relevant whilst other towns continually strive to attract visitors, X no, Y, no Z, A again no......

Quoted from whingewhingewhinge

Or we could do it with Threep's way > try A, no, B, no, C no, D no, E, no, F, no, £billions of tax payers money hiring consultants, doing surveys, meetings, protests, terrabytes of space rented to host newbury.net's forum, Q, no, R, no, building collapses through no money left to do anything, Newbury gets less and less relevant whilst other towns continually strive to attract visitors, X no, Y, no Z, A again no......

Perhaps due proses would be seen to be done to issue a notice to local architects or colleges for any ideas, and if that proved to be unsuccessful, the council could at least claim they tried.

Quoted from brian

That's about it I beleieve, Steph the manager indicated that the funding for the design was spent and there wouldn't be anything left for further designs. I wondered about that and asked why there was a consultation and the answer was that if the consensus was against the overall design then that would be factored in. Not exactly his wording but what was implied.

What would this be factored into? If the design won't change then there nothing to change!

I won't have a word said against our beloved district council.

An organisation that can make a brave decision like this whilst in the midst of a financial crisis http://goo.gl/7MUCy (PDF) deserves our applause.  I assume both the coalition parties are fully in favour of this one.

You seem to forget the letters to the NWN from architects asking for the chance to submit ideas for some of these projects. (for free).

You should know that most of these architects submit ideas for all sorts of things,  and not for "£billions" as you so bizarrely put it. When they get a knock-back, they store the idea / plan / model until a later date. This is good business practice and means that buildings like Newbury  library first saw the light of day a part of a failed bid in Glasgow.

My way would be to offer the job to a few, get some ideas, put 'em up for debate, let the people decide. Remember,(I'm sure you do), that AFTER shelling out on the Market Place, WBC then changed the sight lines of part of the project. Because someone at the Council thought they knew better than the designer. Why are you so afraid of WBC being shown up as a group who "know  better" than the rest of us when quite clearly, they don't.


Threep.

Quoted from whingewhingewhinge

Or we could do it with Threep's way > try A, no, B, no, C no, D no, E, no, F, no, £billions of tax payers money hiring consultants, doing surveys, meetings, protests, terrabytes of space rented to host newbury.net's forum, Q, no, R, no, building collapses through no money left to do anything, Newbury gets less and less relevant whilst other towns continually strive to attract visitors, X no, Y, no Z, A again no......

A bit harsh. We're only discussing why 'our way or no way" is STILL the modus operandi on these things.

Psst....no one's mentioned that the REAL reason for the consultation is it's required by the lottery before they start handing over their loot. Like the pavilion, these things are quite easy to scupper because it's not up to WBC if this goes ahead.

But don't shout too loud...we wouldn't want the HLF to be alerted to the sham going on here. Or there would be NO museum project.

Quoted from brian

If one has only seen the awful artisit's impression and if that was it, then it is a sad reflection on the quality of the architect, but having seen the model in Hungerford today, I'm OK with the design. The join between the two buildings is mainly glass and the block in the centre which is a lift shaft apparently, is much slimmer with a glass panel in it to break up the blank wall.

According to the museum manager who was there, that isn't necessarily what the final design will be, it depends on feedback from the public. For all those who couldn't see the model, it is hoped to put it in one of the granary bay windows for all to see.

There you go then. The architect only did one design by the way so there's not likely to be anything else before work starts in 2013.

Yes he only had the one f** packet at the time and the King Charles was a bit packed when he did it.