Kidderminster Library gallery and piano plans revealed (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kidderminster Library gallery and piano plans revealed

7:40am Tuesday 4th September 2012 in News By William Tomaney

KIDDERMINSTER Library’s grand piano could be moved to the town hall under new proposals put forward by Worcestershire County Council which would see the facility retain a gallery.

The re-worked plans are on display this week at the library as the council holds a second round of engagement events after fierce opposition forced them to withdraw original proposals earlier this year.

One option would see the top-floor gallery moved to the current first floor reference area to make way for county council social service staff offices.

Another option sees a slightly smaller gallery space remain on the top-floor in its current position. Offices for social service staff would be in rooms next to the gallery as well as next to the first floor reference area.

Plans also show the position of the Steinway grand piano is undecided. Proposals show it could be moved to the town hall, in the main hall or the Corn Exchange or stay where it is.

The proposed changes are part of plans to cut £1.8 million – 28 per cent – from the service’s budget over three years.

Carol Brown, from the council’s libraries and learning service leadership team, said: “The new plans reach a requirement for a distinct gallery space.

“[In the option which would see the gallery moved to the first floor] The art would be more visible and engage more people and bring people into the library. We would hope to use the existing exhibition system.

“It is in a high profile space, with a preview which would hopefully then bring people in.

“The second option is as-is for the gallery and meeting room and it is in that space we would have music performances.

“In reaction to feedback on the acoustic problems of moving the performance space we have followed up on a suggestion to move the piano to the town hall.

“That option is possible in all plans and there is also a possibility to leave it where it is.”

Ms Brown said the council would consider feedback from the events and meet with local art groups before drawing up final plans.

The engagement events continue on Wednesday from 10am until noon and Thursday, 5pm until 7pm.

The Kidderminster Gallery Friends group held its first general meeting last night where it was due to discuss the new proposals.