RESIDENTS will have the opportunity to learn at first hand more about the plans for a new Museum and Art Gallery in the town centre later this month.

The trustees and director of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery Trust are holding a public event called Raising the Bar: A New Museum and Art Gallery in Swindon at New College on Wednesday, April 19 at 7pm.

Director Hadrian Ellory-van Dekker will take the audience through the economic and cultural rationale for siting the new museum near the Wyvern Theatre, and explain how the statement building will generate strong economic growth while becoming the beating heart of the community. He will also outline how the building is to be funded.

Chairman of the trustees Robert Hiscox and his colleagues will then take questions from the audience.

The event is being held in the Phoenix Theatre, New College, with doors opening at 6.45pm for the 7pm start. There will be a 15 minute interval and the event will finish at 8.30pm.

Free parking is available on the site, and there is access for wheelchair users.

The event is free, but anyone wishing to attend will need to register beforehand, as the venue has limited capacity.

To register, go to www.smag.eventbrite.co.uk or email smag@voxonline.co.uk, or call 01793 608708 to book a free place.