THE director of Swindon's Art Gallery & Museum has vowed to deliver a new facility fit for the town, despite losing out on a £12m Heritage Lottery Fund windfall.

Rod Hebden told the Adver he was disappointed with the result but still had high hopes for the future.

“We always knew we had a one in three chance, despite having a great bid. We put our hearts and soul into it and really thought we could have got it,” he said.

“I have to admit that part of me is gutted. That’s the word that a lot of people have been using, but it’s now important to move on positively.

“Swindon should have something of significance in terms of its museum and gallery. We have such great quality of collections. I don’t think we should be thinking unambitiously. We want to see something great here because we’ve got a great town.”

“It’s not completely going back to the drawing board. The progress that’s been made is big and we should celebrate everything that’s been achieved and build on that.”

The plans for a new museum on the current Wyvern car park site caused controversy last year. In January a petition which supported using the alternative sites of the Carriage Works or Mechanics’ Institute for the collections gained 2,491 signatures.

Petitioner Ana Kelley told the Adver: “It’s just a shame that real sincere and widespread community consultations didn’t take place a long time ago. We were never listened to and it’s a real pity.”.

There was a mixed reaction from Adver readers online.

Samantha Sealy wrote: “What a lost opportunity for the town and true Swindonians.

"Should have paid more consideration to regeneration of historical buildings in the town such as the Mechanics Institute. Should have listened more to residents supporting this path. What a wasted time of money and effort!”

Michael Hardy wrote: “I think a more modest proposal is needed. I’m not sure the Mechanics Institute is the right place for an art museum much as I would love to see it regenerated and returned to use.”

Julie-Anne Maisey said: “There is no reason for anyone to visit Swindon in its current state. The town needs attractions. Visitors bring money which can then fund more regeneration. No decent museums, galleries or street events and the shops are closing or being replaced with what can only be classed as pop-up cheap tat shops.”

Phil Halsall wrote: “Good. Now the council can get on with maintenance needed on it’s existing assets. Lydiard House for example!”

Leader of Swindon council David Renard said: “We’re obviously very disappointed, but there is a new opportunity now to do another options appraisal. We need to go out and talk to residents and anyone else who has contributed and then we’ll consider the best way forward.”

Discussing the location of the museum Coun Renard added: “Now that we own the Carriage Works that might be a possibility. But part of the vision was to bring in coach groups of school children and that would potentially turn up lots of problems.

“I wouldn’t want to rule an out-of-town one out, but if we want town centre regeneration I think we need to have those attractions that will bring people in.

"We’ve got a fantastic 21st century art collection that people will want to come and see.”