The venue was formerly known as the Rhodes Arts Complex before rebranding to Southmill Arts.
The complex houses the Rhodes Archive, preserving the local history and social heritage of Bishop's Stortford.
The facility is managed by a registered charity dedicated to maintaining access to the arts for the local community.
The main auditorium features retractable seating to allow for diverse event formats, including flat-floor configurations.
Southmill Arts Centre is a focal point for regional cultural life in Bishop's Stortford, housing a multipurpose auditorium, gallery space, and café. The venue serves as a hub for touring professional theater productions, live music, comedy acts, and independent cinema screenings. It hosts a dedicated gallery that displays rotating exhibitions of local and national contemporary artists. The facility is equipped with a versatile main stage that converts for cinema viewing. It functions as a community space offering regular workshops and creative classes for various age groups. The building is situated on South Road, integrating arts facilities with local heritage programming.
The modern glass-fronted entrance area provides the best architectural perspective.
Book tickets in advance through their website as popular theater and comedy shows often sell out.
Check the gallery schedule online, as exhibition themes change frequently throughout the year.
Visit the on-site café prior to your performance for locally sourced refreshments.
Do not show up without a pre-booked ticket for performances, as walk-ins are rarely accommodated for popular shows.
The box office and café operating hours vary significantly depending on the daily performance schedule.
