A CAFE boasting live music and films screened on the walls could be coming to a former department store in Southampton city centre.

The University of Southampton has unveiled plans to reopen The Artisan, a popular eatery that formed part of the Sir James Matthews building in Guildhall Square.

Many of the customers are likely to be university staff and students but the cafe-bar will also be open to the public.

Daily Echo: The Artisan was previously opened in 2015 by a Gordon Ramsay lookalike.The Artisan was previously opened in 2015 by a Gordon Ramsay lookalike.

The Sir James Matthews building - formerly Plummers department store - stood empty after Solent University decided to move its business, law and digital courses in 2019.

But the site is being given a new lease of life after being bought by the University of Southampton earlier this year.

A licensing application submitted to the city council says: "We anticipate low volumes of alcohol sales as we are a food-led service provider.

"Our main focus is to provide a food and coffee service to University of Southampton students and staff. I have requested music to be played as background and opportunities for live music played by students if required/requested.

"I have also requested films to play as a background feature on the walls of the cafe area."

The application also says functions and performances will occasionally take place in a space shared by staff and students.

Daily Echo: The Sir James Matthews building has been bought by the University of Southampton.The Sir James Matthews building has been bought by the University of Southampton. (Image: Newsquest.)

As reported in the Daily Echo, the university's decision to buy the Sir James Matthews building was announced in June.

Speaking at the time Solent University's chief operations officer, Paul Colbran, said: "We are pleased the building will continue to be used for educational purposes.

"The sale is in line with our strategy to further enhance the student experience by providing connected student-centred facilities on our East Park Terrace site."

Phil Wright, senior vice president at the University of Southampton, added: "The university already has a presence at Guildhall Square with the opening of its John Hansard Gallery in 2018 as part of the cultural quarter, and some administration offices on the south of the square.

"This new education space, and our student residences at Mayflower, will see more vibrancy in the city centre, which we are certain will add to the local economy and culture."

The Artisan was previously opened in 2015 by a Gordon Ramsay lookalike.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News