A new performing arts and business centre has been opened.

The Quarterhouse is in Tontine Street, Folkestone and was opened by MP Barbara Follett, the Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and Tourism.

It will be a venue for performing arts events, concerts, conferences, exhibitions and festivals - as well as being used by students from the neighbouring University Centre Folkestone.

The Quarterhouse is the latest development in a major regeneration programme being undertaken in Folkestone’s old town, driven by the charity The Creative Foundation.

Funding for the £4.3 million building came from Kent County Council, the South East of England Development Agency, Arts Council England and Shepway District Council.

The Creative Foundation’s artistic director Nick Ewbank said of the opening: “It marks a new watershed in our work to regenerate Folkestone through creativity and the arts. I am sure that Quarterhouse will rapidly become one of Folkestone’s most popular locations to see a performance or simply to enjoy a night out.”

The auditorium has a capacity for audiences up to 500 standing and 250 seated. There is a bar and restaurant called Vasa, which will be run by the owners of Bar Vasa in Sandgate. There are 12 offices to let and meeting rooms available for hire.

MP Barbara Follett said: “It is a beautiful building which is useful, practical and relevant. Folkestone is a marvellous example of a partnership between creativity and commerce which can revitalise flagging local economies.”

Tickets are on sale for a range of music events during March. In May the venue will host a comedy festival.

Jazz musician Ian Shaw, who lives in Hythe, peformed for guests at the opening, who included Folkesone and Hythe MP Michael Howard, mayor of Folkestone Peter Gane, the leader of Shepway council Robert Bliss, the chairman of the council George Bunting and representatives from the business community.

There were also performances by the choir from the University Centre Folkestone and dancers from Brockhill, the Harvey, Lympne, Saltwood and Hythe Bay schools.