WORK is expected to start soon on a new visitor attraction for upper Teesdale following the appointment of a design team.

The centre, with the working title of the Heritage Resource and Activities centre, will be established above the Co-op supermarket in Middleton in Teesdale and will be designed by Lindsay Tuck Associates of Rowlands Gill.

Wide consultation has taken place with local authorities, the regional tourist board, Raby and Strathmore estates, other visitor attractions and key bodies in the area to establish that the centre will complement rather than duplicate facilities.

The overall theme will be Middleton's social history, set mainly in the context of the mid-19th century. Middleton Plus, the community-based trust which has got the project off the ground, hopes it will appeal to adults who want serious information about the heritage of the area, and equally to children who are more interested in entertainment.

Co-ordinator Judith Mashiter said the two aspects of education and entertainment would be carefully blended together. It would also incorporate a small cafe serving refreshments.

Entrance to the attraction looks likely to be through what is currently the Chatterbox restaurant. This ground floor access will provide a reception area, lift and staircase to the floor above the Co-op.

The timetable for work is that phase one, comprising basic construction and refurbishment, will start as soon as possible, taking about 20 weeks. The detailed planning of phase two, the fitting out, will overlap with the first phase and will be completed ready for an opening to the public next March.

Lindsay Tuck said of the appointment: "We look forward to working with Middleton Plus and the people of the village to develop the visitor centre. We believe it will increase the popularity of the village and Teesdale as a tourist destination."

The operating name for the attraction will be announced in due course.