Southampton arts complex proposals on show to public

The arts complex is planned for Northern Above Bar in central Southampton

Plans for a new £21m arts complex in Southampton are being put on show by the scheme's developer.

Grosvenor's design includes a performance space and art gallery along with restaurants, cafes and some "high quality residential apartments".

Development manager Alex Robinson said the scheme would "bring enormous benefits" to the city.

The city council was awarded £7.2m from Arts Council England in 2010 to build the new cultural complex.

Sea City Museum

The project, on the site of the former Tyrrell and Green department store building alongside Guildhall Square, was originally due to be completed in 2008 but was hit by the recession and property slump.

Following a planning application, it is hoped work will start in 2012.

The city council believes the new arts complex will create about 300 jobs.

It will form part of the "cultural quarter" in Southampton, along with the Sea City Museum which is set to open in 2012.

An exhibition of the draft plans is being held at the Artisan Cafe on Guildhall Square from 1900 to 2100 BST and from 0830 to 1400 BST on Thursday.