A FORMER Southampton bank has been transformed into a new hub to celebrate the city’s rich cultural diversity.

The Persian Cultural Centre has thrown open its doors on Manor Farm Road.

Described as a fantastic asset for the city, it offers an opportunity for residents to learn about Persian art, language, poetry, dancing and music.

There are plans to run educational classes and share cultural knowledge and skills.

There will even be yoga sessions.

The secretary for the community charity, Massoud Yeganegy, gave a speech during a recent grand opening ceremony which featured drinks, canapés and Persian music.

He described how work was done to rip out a bank vault at the former Natwest branch as part of the ambitious revamp.

Mr Yeganegy also mentioned plans to support Afghan refugees.

Also giving speeches on the night were the chairman of the British Iranian Business Association in London, Babak Emamian, and, MP Royston Smith.

The Tory politician who represents Southampton Itchen said he was happy to walk through the doors of the centre and said it was where he opened his first-ever bank account.

He described it as a special building for people who live in Bitterne

Mr Smith added that he was interested to see how the centre develops.

The hub aims to support the Persian and Farsi-speaking community in Southampton which is reported to number around 2,000.

Its facilities will also be available for private parties, as well as the PCC’s events.