Community Intergration

Storefront of Midship Boat Services with decorative window art

Revitalising Old Northam Road

At A-Space Living, we are deeply committed to the restoration and revitalisation of Southampton’s historic Old Northam Road. Working alongside Grays Developments Ltd, we are bringing new life to this once-thriving area by carefully restoring its unique shopfronts and creating a vibrant hub for independent businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs.

A prime example of this transformation is 49 Northam Road, now home to Joanna’s art glass studio and gallery, where she showcases her stunning artwork. This is just one of many spaces being revitalised to provide visitors with a unique and engaging shopping experience.

Our vision is to establish a diverse community of specialist shops, offering niche experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. By blending heritage with creativity, we aim to make Old Northam Road a destination for both locals and visitors—where people can explore, shop, and connect in a truly distinctive setting. Through these efforts, we are not only preserving the road’s rich history but also shaping its future as a lively and welcoming space for all.

The Ripe Project

Shopfront of The Hidden Wardrobe with a yellow 'Ripe Old Northam Road' sign and 'a space arts' logo on the window.

Grays Developments Ltd has been instrumental in revitalizing Southampton's Old Northam Road by collaborating with 'a space' arts to transform the historic King Alfred pub into a dynamic arts venue. This initiative has repurposed the once-vacant building into spaces such as the Alfred Arcade, the Hidden Wardrobe, and the Alfred Arms, providing emerging artists with opportunities for exhibitions, events, and residencies. Through the RIPE programme, graduate artists from institutions like Winchester School of Art and Solent University benefit from these revitalized spaces. Grays Developments Ltd's commitment to repurposing historic properties has significantly enriched the local cultural landscape.

https://ripesouthampton.org.uk/spaces/

Storefront titled 'The Hidden Wardrobe' with illustrated displays in the windows.
Front exterior of 'The Alfred Arms' building
People gather outside "The Alfred Arcade" at night, with a geodesic dome structure on the roof and a cart filled with plush toys nearby.
Woodworking shop with various tools and workbenches along the walls, checkered floor tiles, and a window.
Four people standing behind a wooden bar counter with three stools in a modern interior setting.
Group of people gathered indoors, with one person holding a sculpture of interlocked legs and arms, in a dimly lit room.
A group of people sitting around a table engaged in a watercolor painting class, creating art with pink blossoms and tree branches. Various art supplies like paints, brushes, and paper towels are on the table.

In 2018, Joanna held one of her inspiring art lessons at 49 Northam Road, creating a space where people could come together to develop their artistic skills. These sessions quickly became a valued part of the community, offering a welcoming and creative environment for all.

Although the lessons were temporarily paused due to COVID-19, they have since resumed and continue to thrive. Joanna’s art classes remain an important part of Old Northam Road’s revival, contributing to the unique and vibrant community we are building through our restoration efforts.

This video captures one of Joanna’s frequent art lessons with our Chinese students at 49 Northam Road. These sessions provide a creative and relaxing environment where students can explore their artistic talents while immersing themselves in the local community. As part of our ongoing efforts to revitalise Old Northam Road, these lessons offer a unique cultural exchange, bringing people together through art