Another milestone for the new Arts Complex in that the commercial element of the Arts Complex in Southampton’s Cultural Quarter is now fully let. With successful openings from Nandos and The Stable, plans for the majority of the restaurants to open by the end of the year continue.

Five national brands will be opening at the complex, alongside two local operators. The full list of operators is:

• Gourmet Burger Kitchen (GBK), which was set up in 2001 by three New Zealanders in London and now has more than 60 restaurants across the UK;
• Costa Coffee, which is promoted as the nation’s favourite coffee shop;
• Nandos, the international piri piri chicken restaurant operator originating in South Africa;
• The Stable, which is part of Fullers Smith & Turner PLC;
• Mettricks, Southampton’s specialist Tea and Coffee House;
• Neighbourhood, a brand run by Faucet Inn Ltd, will open a 2,987 sq ft bar and restaurant. The “Neighbourhood” brand is already flourishing at London’s Olympic Park; and
• Tapas Barcelona will be a 5,000 sq ft restaurant from Delicious Dining, the south’s largest independently owned hospitality group.

GBK and Mettricks are planned for opening in early 2016, once the pedestrianised 'Link Street' between Guildhall Square and East Park re-opens.

Cllr Councillor Simon Letts, leader of Southampton City Council added: “It is fantastic news that the commercial element of the Arts Complex is now fully let. This extensive range of new restaurants, cafés and bars will add even more vibrancy to the Cultural Quarter, and makes the area into a real destination for visitors and residents alike. It also demonstrates how the Arts Complex will provide an economic boost for the city, bringing investment to Southampton and creating jobs for local people”.

In addition to the seven restaurants, the Arts Complex incorporates The Guildhall Apartments - 38 residential apartments with views over the city, the majority of which have been claimed. The Arts Complex elements will be run by Nuffield Theatre, City Eye and the University of Southampton’s John Hansard Gallery. There will also be a multi-purpose performing arts centre with two flexible performance spaces, a dance studio and a bistro café/bar. Galliford Try was appointed in October this year to complete the £12.6m fit out of the Arts Facilities by end of 2016.