THE new museum and gallery could become the centrepiece of Swindon’s cultural identity, the town’s art lovers say.

The announcement will be made tomorrow on whether or not the bid for £12m of Heritage Lottery Funding has been successful.

It was last week reported that, although the HLF had made its decision, the announcement would not be made until after yesterday’s election.

And, ahead of the the big day, people across Swindon hav given mixed views on whether they would like to see the project go ahead.

Colin Peterson, 68, from Haydon Wick, said he thought the museum would be a great addition to the town.

“We should be very grateful as a town that we have the wonderful culture that we have and I think it should be shouted from the rooftops.

“It’s an excellent project and if it makes people come into the town from elsewhere, then what could possible be wrong with that?”

But Martin Costello, who stood in the election for UKIP in Liden, Eldene and Park South, recently described the museum plans as “arty farty” and said it was “for elite snobs”.

Stratton resident Joan Titcombe, 53, agreed with Mr Costello.

He said: “Why should we pay for that monstrosity when there are people starving on the streets?

“I think this town needs to get its priorities right.”

In November last year, a bid was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund asking for a £12m contribution towards the £22m project.

The museum trust is hoping that £12m lottery funding will secure a further £5m in funds from the council, £5m from private funders and £1m from the Local Enterprise Partnership.

In what it describes as “a simple statement in advance of the announcement”, the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, an important body in terms of heritage issues in Swindon, yesterday said: “Whatever the result of the HLF bid, the Mechanics’ Trust wishes to work with the new council to achieve the best possible result for Swindon.

“It may still be arguable by different interests whether the balance of aspirations can be achieved and funded.”

Another Stratton resident, Roger Holland, 60, said: “Culture is very important, especially in a town like Swindon - it would be fantastic if the bid is successful.”