A LONG-AWAITED £1.25m visitor centre for a cathedral and castle opened yesterday.

The centre, based in the former Durham University Almshouses, in Owengate, offers visitors information about the castle and cathedral World Heritage Site and what there is to see and do.

The building opened with a concert by student choir Durham Polyphony and a photographic exhibition by Andrew Heptinstall titled Our Living World Heritage Site.

The facility has a gift shop, a ten-minute film about the castle and cathedral, computers and an outdoor seating area. Its opening coincides with the 25th anniversary of Durham gaining World Heritage Site status.

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, said: “Durham is a unique place, steeped in history.

“There are so many stories to tell about the cathedral, the Norman castle, the wider peninsula and the communities that have formed what is Durham today.”

University vice-chancellor Professor Chris Higgins said the castle and cathedral were recognised worldwide for their architecture and cultural significance as an early seat of learning and centre for the development of Christianity By Mark Tallentire mark.tallentire@nne.co.uk in Europe. He added: “The new visitor centre will ensure members of the university and our friends from the local and world community can better appreciate our heritage, history and culture.”

The facility will house Durham University’s Institute of Medieval and Renaissance Studies and Durham Student Theatre.

It also offers information about other Durham attractions, and complements the recently refurbished Wolfson Gallery, at nearby Palace Green Library.

The centre has been paid for by Durham County Council, development agency One North East, Durham Cathedral chapter, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the St Cuthbert’s Journey committee.

Durham University donated the building.

The centre is open seven days a week. Entry is free.

Visit durhamworldheritage site.com, or call 0191-334- 3804.