A STUNNING structure gracing the North-East skyline reached a milestone yesterday when the final panel of its roof was fitted.

The spectacular curved steel roof of the Sage music centre in Gateshead weighs 750 tonnes and is made from 3,000 stainless steel panels and 250 glass panels.

It will enclose performance halls, a music education centre, a music resource centre, rehearsal spaces, an entertainment suite, bars and restaurant.

The £70m Gateshead Council project was designed by internationally renowned architects Foster and Partners, built by Laing O'Rourke and supported by the Arts Council of England with National Lottery funding.

The roof has been designed, manufactured and put together on site like an enormous jigsaw by Austrian company Waagner Biro.

Each stainless steel panel has a linen finish to reduce glare and is solid enough to maintain acoustics in the building.

Work will continue inside the building, with the centre set to open in the winter.

Gateshead Council leader Councillor Mick Henry said: "This is a major step in the development of The Sage Gateshead building. The impressive roof is already a source for much anticipation from people living, working and visiting the area, and we look forward to seeing it develop over the coming months."

Lucy Bird, the Sage centre's director of marketing and development, said: "It's really exciting to see this final piece of the jigsaw slotting into place.

"It represents another milestone in the completion of this spectacular home for all kinds of music."