Simon Kensdale is right: capital projects are quasi-religious undertakings (ArtsProfessional issue 43, p10).
But, before he gets totally depressed by the notion that UK regions don't have ?the urge? to create a mega mega project like Bilbao?s £100m Guggenheim, he would be well-advised to visit Salford City Council?s £124m Lowry Centre - the award winning contemporary modern millennium performing and visual arts building project, pushed through by an exceedingly determined Council.
I ought to know: I headed the feasibility and planning team in 1983 on behalf of Theatre Projects Consultants who were the theatre planning and design consultants. Then he should cross the Manchester Ship Canal, immediately opposite The Lowry, and take a look at the spectacular new War Museum of the North - a project constructed without national lottery support. I think Simon Kensdale will be happily surprised - as will any of your readers who make the trek to Salford, Manchester.