A GROUP of old buildings in the heart of Durham City have been transformed into workshops.

Fowlers Yard, overlooking the River Wear, has been restored for professional artists, craftspeople and creative businesses.

The workspaces are open to the public and will provide visitors with the opportunity to meet artists and craftspeople and observe craft forms, from hot glass work and embroidery to costume-making and photography.

They will also be used for metal work, textile arts and a micro brewery.

One unit has been left vacant for regular exhibitions, workshops, classes and artists in residence.

Fowlers Yard forms part of the Durham City Millennium Scheme to create a new cultural, tourism and leisure quarter.

The scheme includes the 500-seat Gala Theatre and Cinema, Clayport Library, and community, business and shopping units.

It will be managed by Durham City Arts and has been developed by Durham City Council with funding from the Millennium Commission, European Regional Development Fund and the City authority.

The complex is at Back Silver Street and speeches at its official opening were given by MEP Stephen Hughes and the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Ray Gibbon.