The Mechanics' Institute would be an ideal centre for art and culture like the Watershed in Bristol.

I lived in Bristol for seven years and know that the Watershed has made the centre of Bristol a much more culturally aware and diverse place.

It has two cinema screens, a good restaurant and bar for all ages, various gallery spaces and a variety of workshop and conference spaces.

It's constantly busy and used by everyone, and manages to act as a progressive and positive centre space to the variety of communities in Bristol.

With a university on the way and a growing population of young families it would cater perfectly and address the criticisms that Swindon has as being a cultural desert with no focus. It would also augment the incoming Heritage site nicely.

Swindon has small, inappropriately sized art centres which lack the private finance and vision an aspiring city needs.

Swindon needs to think seriously about what modern cultural establishments it has and how effective they actually are at representing the world of art, culture and all its possibilities.

Swindon seems to be floundering in a vista of theme bars and garish fast food cafes. A town can't survive on such places for its leisure interests.

The Watershed is an excellent example of how a historical building can be put to good public use with private and council backing and still benefit all ages and all types of people both for leisure and educationally. The Mechanics' Institute would be perfect for such a venture.

B Owen

Art teacher, Old Town