Cen wrote:I'd like to see things spread across Wales, but unfortunately we don't have the infrastructure necessary. I've never been to the National Library purely because it takes about 3 years to get to Aberystwyth! So that means that currently, if we want anyone at all to visit these places, they have to be in South Wales (or North Wales if you're more concerned with visitors from Northern England).
It's about time we saw some real national infrastructure plans, or we'll never be able to keep up with the world.
Likewise, I've never been to the National Library due to the travel times. I think it would help if the line from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth is re-opened, but going via Shrewsbury is ridiculous.
Sadly, our rail infrastructure was much better c.1900 when decisions about locating the National Library and National Museum were taking place. It was possible to travel North-South and East-West at various locations via the railway network.
The Westminster government weren't interesting in Wales developing any further sense of a nation when Beecham's axe fell. It would have been something if they had replaced the railway lines with a propper motorway.
To some extent I can agree in that we shouldn't be following England's example of locating everything in the South East corner of the country. It's worth noting that England hasn't always been so London focused. Sure, it's been the political and commercial capital for centuries, but cities like Birmingham and Manchester developed around huge industries. Around them grew local banks and other financial services. The problem has been industrial decline that's skewed things so badly.
The problem for Wales is that we need a major city that is going to develop a critical mass in all areas, whether it be business and finance, engineering, arts etc. The leading city at the moment is Cardiff and that's where the focus should be. We shouldn't neglect the other areas, but we should repeat mistakes either.
The National Library should have been in the Cardiff, which went on to become the capital. It would have been far more accessible.
Similarly, the Botantical Gardens of Wales have suffered with visitor numbers and consequently its finances, being down in Carmarthen. Sure, it's got loads of space but you can't get there unless you have a car. No such problems at Kew or in Glasgow.