What on earth are they thinking about? It can't be because it doesn't pay, the entire building coupled with the museum doesn't pay, for they were gifts to the local community and as such, are not meant to.
The Brighton History Centre is like the Public library, it is one of the few remaining services that tax and ratepayers are still fully entitled to. And what happens to all the reference books and public records, do they get burried in the cellars to never see the light of day again? I recall the same thing happening to the Lewes Cohen Urban Studies Centre over a decade ago and although I presume the resources still exist, ordinary members of the public no longer have access.
Whilst I can understand that a more modern building in a less central location might be more suitable and economic (although I think Stanmer House was once a contender) closing the existing service before planning permission and the design for a purpose built study area has been approved would be insane. Even allowing the resources to be crated up rather than being relocated, would be playing into the hands of who ever dreamed up the idea in the first place.
Is this going to be another example of the local administrators moving the goal posts once we are no longer in a position to do anything about it? Remember the Marina development and their promise that the Black Rock Swimming Baths were just subject to a temporary closure! Would any of you in your right mind move out of your present home until you had all the documentation in hand giving you somewhere definite to go?
Roy G
