DATES have been released for the opening of Southampton's "jewel in the crown".

The John Hansard Gallery will move into Studio 144 early next year with a full programme of public events in the run-up to its first official exhibition.

And early summer will see the official launch of an exhibition by one of the world's "most significant" contemporary artists.

Work by Gerhard Richter will go on show from May 12 at the new Guildhall Square venue - which sees the gallery triple in size from its former location at Southampton University.

It comes just weeks after the south building's delayed opening saw film education charity City Eye's future thrown into uncertainty after an eight month delay to the opening of its new home.

Now details of a "dynamic sampler" programme have been released which will see the popular Huddlehood by Rhona Byrne return, and include other work by Rob Crosse, Hetain Patel, Sam Laughlin, and Elaine Mitchener from February 16-24.

It will also feature public projects including Conversation Station with artist collective Stair/Slide/Space and Department for Doing Nothing in partnership with Southampton Youth Offending Service, Compass School and InFocus Training Ltd.

Southampton art chiefs say the opening marks the next step in Southampton's "cultural regeneration".

City culture boss Councillor Satvir Kaur said: "Southampton is on a journey to becoming the cultural destination in the region, and the opening of Studio 144 is set to put us on the map.

"With the creative industries being one of the biggest contributors to the UK’s economy, I am pleased Studio 144 will be creating hundreds of local jobs and attracting thousands to our city every week."

John Hansard director Woodrow Kernohan added that the move is a "sea change" for the gallery, which will allow curators to "realise our public-facing, community engagement and artist-focused ambitions".

And he added that the "grand" opening show will highlight "one of the world's greatest contemporary artists".

As previously reported the John Hansard recently was awarded Arts Council England funding of £2,406,044 for 2018 - 2022. Regional director for ACE Phil Gibby said the gallery's curatorial work is "exceptional," and that the opening exhibition shows "the gallery’s capacity to draw artists of national acclaim to the region".

As reported the Nuffield theatre have already started their move into the city centre and will also open on February 16.