THE centrepiece of Durham's £30m Millennium City development is to open its doors in December.

The £14m high-tech theatre and conference hall has been named Gala and will premiere new plays by top writers Alan Ayckbourn and Keith Waterhouse next year.

The theatre, which will be managed by London-based company The Entertainment Team, will launch with a concert spectacular in December.

The name Gala was chosen as a 'memorable, celebratory title which also commemorates the long, proud tradition of Miners Gala at Durham,' the company said.

Durham City Council's Labour leader Maurice Crathorne said: "What better word is there to get across the new spirit of the North-East than the gala, which is rooted in the history of Durham and will always mean a special day to young and old alike.

"I'm delighted we're able to pay homage to the Miners' Gala, which are a distinctive part of our history, while giving the people of Durham a remarkable venue for the future which will attract the best performers to our city.''

The theatre boasts the latest acoustic architecture and its 550 tiered seats can be moved to transform the hall into a flat-floor venue for events such as conferences.

The theatre is designed to stage plays by professional companies and amateur groups, concerts and a wide range of other events.

The scheme, developed by Durham City Council and part-funded by the Millennium Commission, also includes a large format film visitor centre devoted to the history of Durham, a new Tourist Information Centre, library and Millennium Square.

The theatre has been praised by leading figures in the acting world including presenter and director Ned Sherrin.

He told a press conference in Durham Town Hall that he was impressed by the 'wonderful wave of enthusiasm' for the new venue.

In January the theatre will stage Game Plan and Flat Spin, two new plays by Alan Ayckbourn who will direct them.

In May, Mr Sherrin will direct Good Grief, written by the novelist and playwright Keith Waterhouse. Both will tour nationally after being staged in Durham.

The Entertainment Team, which has a three-year contract to manage the theatre, visitor centre and other parts of the complex, runs the front of house facilities at London's Old Vic and Playhouse Theatres and has completed the £250,000 refurbishment of the capital's Arts Theatre.

The company is also planning a festival to be held in July at the new theatre, which will become an annual event.

Managing director Mike Power said the venue would be the focus of the community.

"It will be the place where you went to the beer festival last week. That's what will make it work.''