A BID to turn Southampton into a city of culture has been given a massive boost after more than half a million pounds was pledged towards improving the arts scene in the city.

Just a day after it was revealed that Southampton was putting a bid together for the prestigious title, those behind the plan have been handed a huge donation.

The money has been gifted to improve and develop arts and culture in the region, with a focus on Southampton.

It includes a significant donation to help get the new city arts complex Studio 144 off the ground.

The Barker-Mill Foundation has put forward a total £540,182, with £300,000 given to the Southampton Cultural Development Trust, an organisation working to boost the city's cultural offering and behind the new arts hub in Guildhall Square.

The trust is currently working on a bid for Southampton to become UK City of Culture or European Capital of Culture in the next 15 years.

As revealed in yesterday's Daily Echo, it is hoped that the city can overcome two previous failures to seize the coveted UK title in 2029 - and successful national and European bids could be worth upwards of £100m to the local economy.

The centrepiece of the new cultural quarter, Studio 144 will be the new home for the Nuffield Theatre, the University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery and City Eye, an organisation that supports Southampton’s filmmakers.

With 90 per cent of the £22m project funded through Arts Council England, Southampton City Council, and SEEDA, the trust needed to raise the remaining £2.1m from grants, businesses and educational institutions.

This funding means that they can expand the space and technical facilities available, as well as set up more workshops, involve more schools and introduce more youth groups.

The funding from the Barker-Mill Foundation is designed to bring about a new, environmentally controlled space for the art gallery making it equipped to exhibit works from major international conventions – putting it in the same arena as the National Gallery.

The Barker-Mill Foundation was established in 1995 from funds provided by members of the Barker-Mill family in memory of their late father and grandfather, Peter Barker-Mill.

This family has owned land in the area for generations around the lower Test Valley, Nursling, Ashurst, Colbury, Hounsdown, Longdown and Marchwood.

The foundation makes donations to local charities, schools, organisations and individuals needing support primarily in south west Hampshire.

James Gough, director of the Southampton Cultural Development Trust, said: “BMF’s donation not only counts, but is at the forefront of a scheme that will significantly transform Southampton’s arts landscape.

"The Nuffield Theatre’s youth programme is working at full capacity, so now that we can afford to expand it, we can attract even more distinguished and innovative theatre companies to come to Southampton to perform.

"The John Hansard Gallery can now develop and expand – bringing a great arts offering to the city.”

Tim Jobling, Trustee at Barker-Mill Foundation, added: “We are thrilled to play a large part in the development of Southampton’s arts culture.

"The expansion of the arts complex is an exciting time for the city and promises a bright future for culture, entertainment and history for the community and beyond."