Southampton University’s John Hansard Gallery is set to become the second biggest temporary exhibition gallery in the UK as part of a new multi-purpose arts complex situated in Southampton’s city centre.

A £5.75m grant from Arts Council England was recently announced, which is enough money to complete the £14m venue.

Called Southampton’s New Arts Complex (SNAC), the site is due to open in 2008, and will bring together many different art forms, including visual, performing, film, video and Asian arts.

Featuring two landmark towers, the new building, overlooking the City’s East Park and Guildhall Square, will add to the cultural quarter in the city centre, which currently contains The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Guildhall, The City Art Gallery and the Millais Gallery.

Stephen Foster, director of the John Hansard Gallery said: “This project will give us the world-class facilities that such an important organisation deserves an make sure that all of our facilities will not only be available but used extensively by more and more people from the region.“ Details: www.southampton.gov.uk/snac