The Civic Centre occupies most of the south portion of the traditional West Marlands common field, and comprises four blocks. The complex was built in the 1930s by architect E. Berry Webber to house the civic offices, law courts, art gallery and library. The main driving force behind its conception and construction was local politician Sidney Kimber. The municipal office block (image 1), opened in November 1932, was the first part to be completed, followed by the police station and law courts, which were opened in 1933. The guildhall (image 3) was opened in 1937. The art block and library (image 2), opened in 1939, was the last part to be completed. It is Grade II* listed.
Municipal Block, Civic Centre
Photograph, c.2000.
Art Gallery and Library, Civic Centre
Photograph, c.2000.
The Guildhall
Photograph, c.2000.
See also
Further reading:
Building of England: Hampshire and the I.O.W., by Nikolaus Pevsner and David Lloyd, p526-7. (H/i)
Building Stones of Southampton, by Anthony Wadham, p20-21. HS/i)
38 Years of Public Life in Southampton, by Sydney Kimber, p120-150. (HS.t)
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