Chair of Arts Council England Sir Nicholas Serota has pledged to plough more money into Southampton’s art scene

Speaking at the official opening of the John Hansard Gallery on Above Bar chair of Arts Council England Sir Nicholas Serota said the event marks a “milestone” in Southampton’s history.

As reported after an 18 year project the John Hansard Gallery opened its doors permanently to the public with an exhibition by one of the western world’s most celebrated living artists.

Studio 144’s south building is now full of work by German painter Gerhard Richter’s work - some of which is rarely seen in the UK.

Sir Nicholas, pictured, supported the city’s ambition to bid for city of culture 2025 - and said that ACE is already investing £2m a year into the city.

But in a meeting on Friday with city culture boss Councillor Satvir Kaur he said they discussed how ACE can put in even more money into the city - and how Southampton City Art Gallery could also be “transformed”.

Speaking to the Daily Echo he said: “Putting the arts complex right into the centre of town is a big step. Instead of having to go all the way up to Highfield people will come into the city centre. There are going to be big events in the square.

“People can meet each other and have shared experiences. If you give people some great experiences and some great art it encourages them.”

But asked exactly what he and Cllr Kaur discussed in their meeting he said: “The meeting was about trying to open up the City Art Gallery.

“There are lots of people who don’t go upstairs. We are helping the museum and gallery which we haven’t done before.

“A lot of councils are cutting their funding to the arts - Southampton is increasing theirs.

All we can do is encourage them to make the gallery as accessible as possible.”

Asked if part of the plan is to increase opening hours - which are currently 10am - 3pm during the week and 10-5pm on Saturdays - he said he “couldn’t promise that”.

But he added: “The arts council is very keen to increase outreach. The John Hansard are endeavouring to do more around the city.

“Lots of people say ‘the arts aren’t for me, but I want my children to have a chance’ so that’s what galleries should be doing - giving arts a chance.”

Cllr Kaur added of the meeting: “We are looking to transform City Art Gallery - but that’s very much in consultation phase right now. I shared our cultural vision for the city.

“We want to use the arts to put Southampton on the map, grow our local economy, create city pride and address social need through the arts. We need the arts council to support us and they said they would. “

Also speaking at the opening was Southampton University’s vice president of education, Professor Alex Neill, who said the John Hansard would be extending its philanthropic reach, and providing entry level jobs for young people who wouldn’t usually have the chance to work in the arts.

As reported the JHG has moved from Southampton University’s Highfield campus to Above Bar.

City Eye - Southampton’s film education charity - have started their move into the same building - but haven’t moved in fully yet.

The gallery is open from 11-5pm Tuesday to Saturday.