Belfast's new £18m Metropolitan Arts Centre (MAC) is to open its doors for the first time next month in the Northern Irish capital's Cathedral Quarter.

Hacker Hall McKnight are behind the design of the new complex, which will house two black box theatre spaces with seating capacity for 120 and 350 spectators respectively.

Three art galleries; a rehearsal space; a dance studio; and education rooms also form part of the new building, along with offices for resident art groups and an artist-in-residence studio.

Construction work commenced on the scheme in late 2009, with the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) contributing nearly £11m towards the total development cost.

Speaking ahead of its opening, arts minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "The MAC is a truly impressive building and arts space.

"My department has invested almost £11m into this £18m project, which will bring benefits in terms of physical, social and economic regeneration to the Cathedral Quarter."

Funding has also been provided by Arts Council Northern Ireland; Belfast City Council; the Garfield Weston Foundation; and the Monument Trust among others.

Details: www.themaclive.com