WORK started yesterday on a Government office complex that will reveal a piece of North-East heritage for the first time in more than 80 years.

The project, to build a home for 400 staff at the Government Office for the North-East, will see the staff move from Gallowgate, Newcastle, to a purpose-built, 8,500sq metre building.

It is the final phase of the Hanro Group's Citygate development at the junction of Gallowgate and St James' Boulevard.

Part of the project saw the demolition of the former coach station, which will reveal a section of the city's medieval defences that has been hidden for decades.

Hanro's managing director, Bob Nicholson, said: "With the demolition of the old coach station, which has now been re-located, the stretch of the ancient city walls which have been hidden from the public for over 80 years can now be exposed, which will enhance the area into a clean and attractive environment in which to work."

Construction will be completed in June next year and workers will move into the offices the month after.

Jonathan Blackie, the regional director of the Government Office for the North-East, said: "I am delighted to see work starting on the new building, which will provide modern offices for our staff and equip them to serve the region to the best of their ability for the next 15 years."