Businesses asked for Southampton arts complex cash

The arts complex is intended to be the centrepiece of Southampton's cultural quarter

Businesses are being asked to help fund Southampton's planned new arts complex.

Southampton Cultural Development Trust is targeting corporate donors for £2.1m of remaining funding needed for the £21m Guildhall Square complex.

The development would bring "a fresh vitality" to the city, said Stephen Boyce of the trust. It is anticipated to open by early 2016.

The project was originally due to be completed in 2008 but was hit by the recession and property slump.

The complex is part of the new so-called "cultural quarter" being created around the Guildhall Square area.

The trust, an independent charity set up by the council, local universities and cultural organisations, is aiming to raise funds from individuals, businesses and grant-awarding bodies.

The city council has said the 100,000 sq ft arts, restaurant and retail centre will create more than 300 jobs.

'Future economy'

Mr Boyce said he was confident businesses would contribute, despite the economic climate.

"When times are hard, cultural activities, arts and heritage are a really key part of the city's future economy."

Corporate members of the trust's "friends" scheme are being asked for £3,000 a year, while individuals can donate £15 a year.

Mr Boyce said: "It has had some delays over the years and has required persistence but is getting there and there is no doubt it will happen."

A council spokesman said: "The council is confident that the targets for the Cultural Development Trust are achievable and we will support them in every way we can."

Cabinet member for housing and leisure Councillor Warwick Payne said he hoped the centre would be a "proven product" by the time the city was potentially UK City of Culture in 2017.

"We hope we can deliver it and that's what we're working towards,

The arts complex is to be built on the former Tyrell and Green department store site

"Certainly my hope would be Southampton residents should see some work sooner rather than later."

Susan Becket of community filmmaking group City Eye which is due to be a tenant in the complex said the delays in completing the project were proving "especially challenging" in the current economic climate.

"At a time when so many cultural organisations are struggling it seems ever more important that we persevere and realise the full potential of the arts complex, delivering this vital piece of cultural infrastructure for Southampton and the region."

The authority said it expected an operating company to be in place by the end of 2013 and archaeological investigations are anticipated during the summer.