The Nuffield has been announced at the operating company for the performing arts building at Southampton’s new arts complex at the “topping out” ceremony on 26 March 2015.
The Arts Complex, part of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, is the first of 7 VIP projects identified within Southampton City Council’s City Centre Master Plan that will be completed.
This is a significant milestone in the delivery of this £40 million scheme, developed by Grosvenor Developments. Nuffield, together with existing tenants University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery and City Eye will be working together to establish a fascinating programme, complementing and expanding the existing arts provision in the city. The arts complex is due to complete in 2016.
The new performing arts building will include a flexible 447 seat main house theatre, a 135 seat studio, screening facilities, rehearsal, workshop and education spaces, and a café bar and bistro. This will transform Southampton’s ability to present a high quality cultural programme from local, national and international artists, and provide facilities for inspiring programmes of talent development, creative learning and participation.
Councillor Simon Letts, Leader of Southampton City Council, said: “I am pleased to welcome Nuffield as the final tenant of our new arts complex. This decision cements our original ambitions for this VIP project, creating a vibrant Cultural Quarter as well as supporting and championing distinction in local business and economy. This brings together key partnerships with already committed and established tenants, University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery and City Eye that will excel in providing a vibrant and original arts programme for the city.”
Sam Hodges, Director of Nuffield, said: “This is a culturally important moment for the city of Southampton - the new arts complex builds on years of hard work and commitment by the city council and we’re delighted to be taking on this important role. Our vision is for a building which is vibrant and accessible, which champions development, creativity and innovation and welcomes new audiences and the community. The new flexible space will open up exciting possibilities for Nuffield. We will substantially grow our organisation, as well as its scope and artistic remit, and we look forward to working in partnership with many of the city’s other venues, companies and artists.”
Phil Gibby, Area Director, South West, Arts Council England said: "We are very pleased that National portfolio organisation Nuffield will be taking over as operating manager of the arts complex. The expertise they bring will be a valuable resource in the lead up to the opening of the arts complex in 2016 and beyond, enabling the city to fulfil its potential as a thriving contemporary arts hub. By providing strategic leadership Nuffield will build upon strengths that already exist, catalysing wider artistic activity and the development of new talent in Southampton, really putting culture at the heart of the regeneration of the city."
Simon Armstrong, Project Director for Grosvenor Developments, said: "“We’re looking forward to working alongside Nuffield who will complement JHG and City Eye – as well as our eclectic mix of national and regional restaurant operators - perfectly.”
26 March 2015