Three major arts companies come together at Southampton's Studio 144 next year.
Nuffield Southampton Theatres is joined at Studio 144 by the John Hansard Gallery which will move there from its current home at the University of Southampton, and film specialists City Eye.
Nuffield Southampton Theatres, named Regional Theatre of 2015 at The Stage Awards, will continue to run its existing theatre on the University's campus as well as the NST City venue at Studio 144.
NST City will have a 447-seat main house and a 135-seat studio together with screening facilities and rehearsal and workshop spaces and will offer a programme of theare, dance, film and music events.
The arts venue has two buildings and will employ around 100 people. It aims to attract around 350,000 people a year including those with limited previous engagement. An open weekend in autumn 2017 will mark its opening.
Studio 144 forms part of the city’s cultural quarter being located with the City Art Gallery, SeaCity Museum and Showcase Gallery on Guildhall Square.