The Cultural Quarter is central to Southampton’s social and economic regeneration programme. It creates a vibrant, dynamic and cultural heart to the city. It is an area alive with arts, heritage, entertainment, events and music, framed within dramatic architecture.
 
The restoration of Guildhall Square, and most recently the opening of Sea City Museum, have added to and complement existing cultural landmarks which make up the Cultural Quarter, building on an already strong heritage of heritage and arts activity. 
 
Completion of the new arts complex will provide the final physical piece in the Cultural Quarter ‘jigsaw’. 
 
When completed, the Quarter will transform Southampton into a leading arts and cultural destination, bringing vital benefits for residents and visitors, business and tourism:

• Generating over 2,000 jobs and £21m additional spend annually
• Raising educational attainment and skills
• Improving staff recruitment and retention

Helping to bring in around £175m of private and public investment.

Future Southampton

Cultural Quarter briefing document 2011