The work of building Pontio, a make new arts and innovation centre is nearing completion with just the finishing touches being applied.

Constructing the Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre proved to exist "hard and more complicated" than expected but Bangor University officials believe the £49m complex will be a fundamental thespian in the city's cultural and business life.

Once open the centre will offer theatre companies a 480-seat space named subsequently opera superstar bass-baritone Bryn Terfel , a studio theatre which holds up to 120 people and a 200-seat picture palace capable of showing 3D films and live screenings from other theatres.

The centre likewise contains a cut-border Innovation Centre and a range of student facilities including a new dwelling for the Students' Marriage and numerous teaching spaces including a 450-seat lecture theatre.

The heart will also offering a wide range of nutrient and drink with a bar, Ffynnon, on the ground flooring; a 60-fourscore comprehend restaurant, Gorad; the Cegin café for drinks and snacks on the Innovation floor and a 'grab and get' kiosk called Copa on the pinnacle flooring which is close to a terrace overlooking the city.

An fine art piece, Caban, by Joep Van Lieshout , is being installed equally office of Pontio's public art programme outside the building.

View from the Pontio Arts And Innovation Centre terrace

View from the Pontio Arts And Innovation Eye terrace

The brilliant greenish shape has already attracted comment and Prof Jerry Hunter, Pro Vice Chancellor, said: "Its a talking point and we recognise we can't please everyone."

Pontio's full artistic programme commences in December volition be announced next week although tickets for some events are already on sale. In the meantime a range of taster events are being staged.

Spread over six levels the 10,600 square metre edifice fills in the gap between the Memorial Arch on Deiniol Route and the quondam higher edifice in Upper Bangor.

Dylan Roberts, Managing director of Estates at Bangor University said it will be possible to walk upwards through the building betwixt the two points.

He said: "This is a mod edifice but one which is sympathetic to its environment, sited within a Conservation Area and side by side to several listed buildings.

"It is designed to emphasise the existing axis between the Memorial Arch and the main University edifice. It is a multi-storey structure, extending up and across the gradient to human activity as a concrete link, or bridge, between the City, Deiniol Road and the University'southward main building.

"Ecology issues were carefully considered and over ninety% (by weight) of the material from the demolished buildings, originally on site, have been re-used in the project."

Mr Hunter added: "It's a great pleasure to finally share with everyone the fantastic facilities this edifice is going to offering for the general public and students alike.

"Information technology has been a difficult journey, but now nosotros accept created a transformational centre for innovation in science and the arts in Bangor.

First look inside the new Pontio Arts And Innovation Centre

First expect inside the new Pontio Arts And Innovation Middle

"The Pontio (Welsh for "to span") project has already brought major investment to the Bangor area through direct job cosmos in terms of the centre's staff, and the work carried out by local companies during the construction period.

"We are confident that Pontio will create new and attractive opportunities for Bangor and have a significant impact on the skills base of the region and will provide a much-needed focus for the creative industries, schools and community groups."

Built on the site of the onetime Students Spousal relationship and Theatr Gwynedd site structure has taken more than five years.

Officials had hoped the building would accept been opened at a gala concert last October but that was cancelled equally contractors connected piece of work. Fitting out of the upper levels is standing and likely to be completed by Jan.

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