Grand designs for city museum hub

AN intricate museum facade depicting life in Edinburgh down the ages could form part of a multi-million-pound revamp of the city's museums and galleries.

The elaborate frontage at the listed Acheson House in the Canongate would form the entrance of a new museum "hub", backed by councillors yesterday.

The series of panels on different stages in Edinburgh's history has been drawn up by leading consultants including Benjamin Tindall architects and the Edinburgh Consultancy.

The frontage would also include moving parts and a clock face, echoing the world famous Astronomical Clock in Prague.

The proposals are one of a series of early concept ideas being considered for the revamp. The plans, which are currently being drawn up by officials, would see the Museum of Childhood sold off to help pay for the new complex in the Canongate, containing the collections from the Museum of Edinburgh, the People's Story and the childhood museum.

The City Art Centre on Market Street would be extended into a new "arts hub" to attract more "blockbuster" exhibitions to the Capital and provide exhibition space for some of the city's independent galleries.

Labour culture spokesman Paul Godzik said: "The old buildings on the Canongate have served us well, but we do have to look at new ways and innovations to make them appeal to visitors.

"However, the scheme is still at an embryonic stage, so there have been no definitive plans. It is far too early to make any comment on what a new museums hub in the city will look like.

"What I am pleased with is that we have agreed to protect the integrity of the collections in our museums and galleries and I will be monitoring this scheme as it progresses."

But Green councillor Alison Johnstone said she did not think the facade would add to the Old Town. She said: "I would probably rather see a historic building than a gimmick.

"It's going to stand out like a sore thumb down there. It's going to have a bit of a Disneyland look about it."

Councillor Mike Bridgman said he was yet to be convinced of the facade's artistic merits.

"I'm not completely sold on it," he said. "It was just an impression we saw – nothing has been set in stone. I think it would be better if the history of Edinburgh was laid out inside the building rather than on the front of it."

The creation of the culture hubs has been backed in principle by councillors, but a business case will have to be drawn up to assess whether the city can afford the scheme before the plans are resubmitted for final approval.

Deidre Brock, the city's culture leader, said: "Our vision for the city's museums and galleries was broadly welcomed at the culture and leisure committee, which is very positive news.

"This helps us as we drive to create a fresh and exciting experience for visitors which tells the story of Edinburgh and celebrates our artists and our collections."

• Edinburgh City Council website
• City Arts Centre website