THE Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will officially open a new arts centre in the North-East later this month.

Prince William and his wife Kate will be in Sunderland on Wednesday, February 21, to open The Fire Station, which houses a dance studio, drama studio, heritage centre and bistro.

The Duke and Duchess will watch workshops and performances from some of the groups using The Fire Station, where a £3.5m transformation was completed late last year with a £2.4m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The building stood empty for 22 years before becoming a core part of the Music, Arts and Culture (MAC) Trust’s plans to create a £10m cultural quarter centred on The Fire Station and an adjacent new £8m auditorium, where work will start soon.

During their visit, the Duke and Duchess, who will be unveiling a commemorative plaque, will be given a tour of the building by MAC Trust chairman Paul Callaghan and Helen Green, director of The Fire Station.

Mr Callaghan said: “The renovation of this iconic building is a symbol of the city’s growing cultural vibrancy and to have this recognised by such important guests is a real honour and a privilege.

“I’m sure The Duke and Duchess will be impressed by the talent and enthusiasm of the young performers they will meet while they are here.”