After months of campaigning and uncertainty Southampton City Council, at a full council meeting on 17th February 2010,  approved the addition of £15m to the capital programme for 2009/10 - 2012/13 to meet the costs of a new Heritage Centre in Southampton. This decision means that the plan to sell works of art to help meet the costs of the new Centre will not go ahead.

The saga has been watched by museum professionals up and down the country, fearful that a precedent for disposal of collections would be set.

A spokesperson for Southampton Save Our Collection Group which has rallied support and led the campaign against the sale stated: 

“We congratulate Southampton City Council on its decision to maintain the integrity of its magnificent art collection and for listening to the many people who raised their voice in opposition to the proposed sale of work. 

We are delighted that the City Council has recognised the importance of proceeding with the development of Southampton’s cultural quarter on an all-party basis.  Such an important matter as the future of the city’s cultural heritage should not become the victim of party politics.

We welcome the plans for the new heritage centre which can only add to Southampton’s profile as a regional cultural centre and bring visitors to the city.”

Press Release

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