City Centre Vision 2 - Southampton Connect

A regional centre for culture
Southampton is a modern commercial city, a
port, with large parks and open spaces, and a
rich concentration and diversity of learning
institutions. Its medieval town walls are some
of the finest in Britain, and the city has a rich
Roman and Saxon heritage.
Southampton offers opportunities and
experiences comparable to the best in the
country and on a smaller scale, the culture of
the city is vibrant and flourishing.
The city hosts major international maritime
events on a regular basis. It is a regional centre
for leisure and shopping, theatre, arts and
sports facilities and events.
Southampton has a significant number of
major art galleries: the Southampton City Art
Gallery, the John Hansard Gallery, and the
Millais Gallery.
The Mayflower Theatre is a major regional
touring centre for shows, musicals, opera and
ballet. The Nuffield Theatre is nationally and
internationally recognised as a production
theatre.
Through the development of the cultural strategy, a partnership with providers and
stakeholders, new opportunities are being identified which will strengthen and refocus
the city’s provision. Key projects identified in the Cultural strategy are:
Northern Above Bar: well placed to create a dense, lively and viable cluster of arts and
cultural facilities, bolstered by the proximity of the Guildhall, Mayflower Theatre,
Southampton City Art gallery, the Central Library and the Millais Gallery; and the
possible relocation of the John Hansard Gallery.
A new heritage visitor attraction: telling the story of Southampton both by working
with external partners through the integration of current heritage provision and by
building a new venue on Lower High Street.
Development of the creative and media industries: to complement the knowledge
industries of the region.
A new multi-purpose arena: with a capacity for up to 10,000 visitors for exhibitions and
music, trade shows and conferences, and ice hockey and skating. Aimed to attract people
from across the south of England, this facility will be the best of its kind in the country.
The city’s exceptional central parks, some 21ha of Grade II listed parkland, recently renovated
with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the city council, will continue to provide
an essential element of city living, in creating safe and peaceful recreational zones.
Southampton’s maritime heritage which has given shape to its built form and the
historic buildings, in particular, will be given renewed prominence. They will form the
backdrop for residents and visitors alike to enjoy and appreciate the city.
Public art will interpret and add quality to the built environment of the city, through
agreements with developers, involving artists throughout the development and design
process and through innovative approaches to the street scene. A programme of
community, regional and international events will celebrate the city’s great maritime
heritage from the Pilgrim Fathers to ocean liners and global yacht races.
See also:
Southampton Public Arts Strategy –
Consultation Copy (2005) ‘art people places’
All of the above will confirm the reputation of the city as a major centre of culture and
tourism in the UK. It will also confirm the role of the city centre in attracting significant
numbers of visitors and strengthening the city’s economic infrastructure and
international profile.
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