OVER the centuries it has been deployed as a guildhall, prison, court room, police station and museum.

Now the ancient Bargate - Southampton's oldest usable building - has a new lease of commercial life in the 21st century.

It is poised to be the most inspirational networking location in the city yet for businesses wanting to hold meetings, exhibitions and corporate functions.

The medieval gateway, dating back 800 years, has a new tenant that has enabled this to happen.

Arts organisation a space helps emerging artists make the reality leap from education to sustainable work.

Last year a space attracted more than 15,000 people to art events at the city's ancient vaults.

As custodians of the monument for the next three years, a space is paying a peppercorn rent to the city council.

In return, artists will be displaying their talents there, and companies can hire parts of the gateway, which has stunning rooftop views.

The Bargate, which is the historic emblem of the port city, will also be open free to the public from mid-summer.

Want to know more? Go to: www.aspace4.com - email: info@aspace4.com or ring 023 8033 8778.