The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre

Culture, exhibitions and performance in Havant

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre, located in Havant town centre rather than Waterlooville itself, is the nearest dedicated cultural venue serving the Waterlooville area. The centre hosts a programme of exhibitions, performances, workshops and community events that draws audiences from across the borough, including the Waterlooville, Cowplain and Purbrook communities.

The Spring occupies a converted building that combines gallery space, a performance area, workshop rooms and a cafe. The exhibition programme features visual art from local, regional and national artists, with shows that change regularly throughout the year. The performance programme includes live music, comedy, drama and spoken word events, offering a varied cultural diet that ranges from folk and jazz to classical recitals and contemporary performance.

Workshops and classes provide hands-on creative activity for adults and children. Painting, drawing, pottery, printmaking and photography are among the regular offerings, and the centre also hosts holiday activities for children during school breaks. The community dimension of the Spring is important, providing a meeting point and creative outlet for residents who might otherwise lack access to cultural activities.

For Waterlooville residents, reaching the Spring involves a short bus or car journey to Havant, and the centre's evening programme means that cultural outings are practical for those who work during the day. The Spring fills a gap that Waterlooville itself does not address, as the town has no equivalent dedicated arts venue. The Spring's programme is supplemented by events at local churches, community centres and pubs that host occasional live music and performance.