"In the pages of Melbourne's print media and talkback radio there is an ongoing debate about the proposed design and location of the State Museum to be built in the Carlton Gardens adjacent to the historic Royal Exhibition Buildings. Opponents to the development believe that the design will detrimentally impact on the historic building and would better serve Melbourne if it was relocated to a more strategically located site within the cultural heart of the city..." This previous message neglected to mention that this is the 8th proposed location for the Museum and many of the "ideal" locations mentioned by the opponents to the placement of the Museum within the Exhibition gardens have been put forward and then dismissed for various reasons. The last location for the Museum is where the new Exhibition Centre is now located, at one end of the so-called "Cultural Spine". The opponents to the site have also indicated that this is still a "proposed site". This is not the case as works have already begun. Should the construction of the Museum be halted in any way, it would be detrimental to the collections held by the State. It is imperative that the building be finished on time as the site where the Museum is currently located is having major works done in order to facilitate the State Library taking over the site for its own purposes. Further to the "controversial 'Blade'"; it will be very similar, according to all accounts to the one that is above the new Exhibition Centre. To my knowledge, no-one has objected to this. It is not my wishes that the new Museum site should be seen copying any other building, but the architectural firm involved is the same. Also the thought that this "Blade" will completely obscure the dome is embellishment on behalf of the opposition to the Museum site. It has been established that approximately 3-4 houses on the north side of the park will have their view obscured by the clear blade. As part of the new Museum construction the Exhibition buildings are being brought back to their original state as they have had modern additions placed on them with little to no intervention by a heritage or historical council until now. There is to be a large mall-like area between the two structures so as to provide a walkway through as well as a decent space that enables a view of both buildings. The opposition to the new Museum indicates that there is overwhelming support for the construction to be halted but does not cite any independent surveys (all surveys completed have been of their own construction) or go beyond providing gross generalisations. It appears that the silence from the State government and supporters is sufficient to surmise that the project should be halted. It may simply be that first there has to be a sensible, rational and coherent argument placed before any comments can be made! As to the unaware Victorians, this particular site and design have been able to be viewed since 1994 and have been shown at many public occasions, such as the Melbourne Show, the opening of the Exhibition Centre, Melbourne City Council Offices and of course, the International Flower Show 1995. The above points are of course, my own opinion. Anthony van der Craats is entitled to his. An informed debate is always better than an uninformed one! Susan Meadows [log in to unmask]