The Point, Eastleigh

The Point stands in Eastleigh, Hampshire, on a corner where Leigh Road meets Romsey Road. Its red-brick façade, built in 1899, once served as the town hall before becoming a theatre in 1997. The original design by Mitchell, Son and Gutteridge featured a symmetrical frontage with Doric columns and a clock turret. A concert hall was added in 1928, and a Carnegie library stood next door until the 1990s. The conversion preserved the Victorian character while creating a modern performance space. The building’s history reflects Eastleigh’s growth from a railway town to a municipal borough. Its architecture and civic role make it a recognised landmark in the area. The conversion into The Point brought contemporary dance and theatre to the community, supported by grants and public events. The 2009 Creation Space extension added a 375-square-metre studio, opened by dancer Akram Khan. The venue has also hosted national programmes like BBC’s *Question Time*. Visitors find a theatre with a year-round programme of performances, including 35mm film screenings and contemporary dance. The foyer and café bar offer a place to gather, while the outdoor Eastleigh Unwrapped festival draws summer crowds. The Berry Theatre in Hedge End serves as its sister venue. The Point remains a cultural hub, blending heritage with modern arts in the heart of Eastleigh.