A TOWN centre department store has vowed to maintain a space for arts and culture in Bournemouth.

GIANT, the artist-run gallery on the second floor of Bobby’s has announced that its current exhibition is to be its last.

Run by the homegrown artist Stuart Semple, it is nearing the end of two and half years at the iconic building off the Square.

Despite, welcoming over 240,000 visitors, Stuart previously said it was time to move on citing financial reasons.

READ MORE: Popular art gallery announces it is to leave Bournemouth

However, Andy Birt, director at Bobby’s, has stressed that arts and culture have an important place in town centres for locals and visitors and can bring in new visitors.

He said: “From the planning stages we wanted to host a gallery space at Bobby’s.

“Future plans for the gallery space are still very much under wraps with announcements expected later in the year.

Andy added: “The second floor will maintain an arts and culture offering, we’re currently in talks with new tenants and working on the construction and renovation of the floor, we can’t say any more at this stage, so, watch this space.”

Anyone who wants to attend the GIANT closing party on Friday, January 19, between 6 and 8pm, should email gallery@giant.space