1:17pm Monday 22nd March 2010
A FLAGSHIP arts complex at the heart of Southampton’s proposed new cultural quarter has suffered a major setback.
The Daily Echo can reveal a decision on a vital grant to help pay for the £14m complex has been delayed.
It means the future of the ambitious scheme, which is eight years behind schedule, once again hangs in the balance.
The Arts Council was this month expected to confirm £5.7m in funding towards the Southampton New Arts Complex at the former Tyrrell and Green site.
However, that decision has been delayed until the middle of May after the Arts Council bosses raised concerns over changes to the project.
It’s understood they were not happy with Southampton City Council’s decision to locate the arts complex on the first floor of the development, above shops, cafes and restaurants.
Under the original proposal, which collapsed in 2008 when developer City Lofts went into administration, entrance to the new gallery, studios and performance space would have been at street-level.
The £50m plan would have seen the derelict department store flattened to make way for 282 flats in two 18-storey glass towers, housing the arts complex on the lower floors.
Last September, it seemed saved after worldwide property group Grosvenor struck a deal to buy the land and build a “visionary” development.
Work on the new scheme, which would create 140 jobs, was due to begin early next year with completion set for 2014.
The Arts Council has now ordered council planners to demonstrate that the proposed changes would not compromise the development’s arts offer.
Councillor Royston Smith, Cabinet member for economic development, last night remained confident the cash could be secured.
“We have addressed their concerns and I’m confident we have satisfied all of their requirements,” Cllr Smith said.
“The whole thing is dependent on the Arts Council grant, so I’m optimistic and hope that we will get it.”
The city council has already put up £1.2m of public cash to flatten the derelict department store and create an open space ready for future developers to move in.
Jill Cochrane, head of communications at the Arts Council, refused to discuss the organisation’s specific concerns with the new designs.
“There are a number of things that need to be looked at in more detail. The important thing is that at this stage no decision has been made about our investment in the project,” she said.
The Arts Council will announce its decision at a national council meeting on May 13.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/trade_directory/