CIVIC dignitaries have officially opened an impressive new £12m public space in the North-East.

Keel Square celebrates Sunderland’s shipbuilding and industrial heritage and the celebrations began at the newly installed unique public art feature ‘Propellers of the City’.

The opening was led by Sunderland Mayor, Councillor Barry Curran, council leader Cllr Paul Watson and special guests from the Sunderland Association Football Club Ladies team.

Cllr Watson said: “This event marks a great step forward in the continuous development of our city centre.

“Keel Square not only represents a new quality civic space for people to enjoy, but also brings forward further investment sites around it to attract inward investment to the city.”

Visitors were invited to join in a wide range of free, fun activities for all the family after the opening ceremony.

They were based in the new square and followed the historic maritime theme including acts of heroism, songs from the sea and the crucial skills of how ships were made.

A one to ten scale model of the HMS Venerable was on display showing the flagship of Admiral Duncan at the Battle of Camperdown.

Street theatre performers told the story of Jack Crawford, who in 1797, aged 22, was serving on board HMS Venerable and became a naval hero.

Visitors could also see moving and still images of the Port of Sunderland from the archives, including footage of the working dockyards and what it was like living in the largest shipbuilding town in the world.

Alistair Anderson, internationally recognised as the master of the English Concertina and a fine performer on the Northumbrian Pipes, performed live with fellow folk musician Dan Walsh.

They brought to life songs and tunes, old and new, from the North-East and beyond while Chris Meredith and Watchtone performed their brand of ‘jazzy folk’ throughout the event.

Sonia Kulkarni, manager of SAFC Ladies, said: “Sunderland Ladies are honoured to have been invited to the opening of Keel Square.

“We have been very much looking forward to the unveiling of the square which celebrates the city's international significance and shipbuilding heritage.

“The local community have been fantastic in backing the Ladies this season and it is fantastic to be involved in such a special event.”