FIRST they moved into Southampton’s Bargate monument.

Then they produced work based on the historic God’s House Tower.

And now a new bunch of artists from ‘a space’ arts will be moving into another unused location.

The group of graduates from Solent University and Winchester School of Art are taking over Old Northam Road’s Alfred Arcade with two exhibitions of “outstanding” work.

At their show in the former mini shopping centre there will be prints, projections, structures, spare parts, felted mushrooms and alien spray foam.

It’s a two part programme and is a bid by a space arts to provide more opportunities for graduates in the city.

An ‘a space’ arts spokesperson said: “This exhibition will be the first of many to take place at a brand new gallery space: the Alfred Arcade on Old Northam Road.

“The artists will meet, exhibit and engage in critical debate, forming networks and friendships that will help them sustain a fruitful visual arts practice here in Southampton.

“The Alfred Arcade is a unique gallery space with six exhibition or studio spaces and a terrace at the back which overlooks the railway. In the past, the street was a busy and bustling place in the heart of the city.

“It became known as the antiques quarter in the ’60s and ’70s and attracted visitors from all over the world. In 1988, however, the new dual-carriageway and Six Dials interchange was built, leaving Old Northam Road cut off from the rest of the city.

“Since then, many vendors have gone elsewhere, leaving behind long rows of beautiful Victorian shop fronts with nothing on display. With its rich history and abandoned spaces, the street is brimming with opportunity for artists to move in and make use of it all.”

The name Ripe Bananas has been chosen to reflect the area’s potential. The first exhibition opens on August 10 at 6pm, and Ripe Bananas 2 opens on September 7.