DURHAM City's £29m Millennium City development is takng shape.

Steelwork for the stage and fly tower of the Millennium Hall is in place and construction of the auditorium is under way.

The centrepiece is a hall that will place Durham at the forefront of European cities for concert venues. It will host national and local events, conferences and local productions.

The scheme includes a library, visitor centre - featuring a large format film on Durham's history - centre for learning, and Millennium Square.

Contractor Carillion is building the fly tower and stage first, because it is the highest point of the centre.

The foundations of other buildings are being put in place.

The bulk of the project is expected to be completed late next year, with the development opening in phases.

City council chief executive Colin Shearsmith said: "It's good to see the shape and size of this exciting new scheme at last, and know it will soon bring so many new opportunities to the people of Durham.

"Millennium Hall will be a marvellous addition to the city's leisure and business facilities.

"It will give us a great place to enjoy best-known entertainers and local productions, and provide the city with an important centre, ideal for conferences and business events."