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SOUTHAMPTON'S former magistrates' court could be used to stage a Titanic exhibition to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the liner's sinking next year, the Daily Echo can reveal.
The idea emerged during a full council debate on the future of leisure and heritage services, held at the Civic Centre last night.
Labour and Conservative members of the council had joined forces to condemn the ruling Liberal Democrats' handling of Southampton's heritage and the city's sports and recreation facilities.
However, in reply, city council Cabinet member for leisure and culture, Councillor Steve Sollitt told members that the council was planning to use the former magistrates' court as part of the city's "heritage package".
Exhibition He was backed by Lib Dem Cabinet member for education Councillor Ann Milton. She said the council planned to stage a Titanic commemorative service next year and also planned to use the magistrates' court to stage an exhibition on the great liner, which sank in 1912 with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
The idea of using the former magistrate's court as an exhibition centre emerged just days after the Daily Echo urged the council to use the building to display some of the city's art collection.
During the debate, Labour members also urged the Lib Dems to make more effort to attract new and exciting events to the city.
Tory leisure and culture spokesman Councillor John Hannides accused the Lib Dems of being a "total disaster" for the city.
He said: "In the past three and a half years the administration has run out of ideas before it even got started. The portfolio has gone backwards."
Cllr Hannides said the city had made no progress in building a world-class heritage attraction and that plans for an arena and ice rink had also got no further.
Labour's Bitterne Ward councillor Christine Kelly told members that the Lib Dems had lost major events because of the Lib Dem's "incompetence". She said: "We have a heritage we are very proud of and we also have a maritime heritage. It is a matter of record that major events head away because of incompetence."
City council leader Adrian Vinson told members that the council had done much to increase the heritage and leisure "offer" for visitors and residents in the city.
He said: "We have city centre markets, the Bargate has opened up as a museum and the money for the Tudor House refurbishment has been secured. In terms of its Christmas offer, this administration has done what its predecessor failed to do."
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