The facility, funded by the Rootstein Hopkins Foundation, an arts charity, will include a computer area with state-of-the-art equipment, spaces for teachers’ programmes, workshops and events for families.

There will also be classes for children, young people and adults and a studio space large enough for a full school class.

The grant will also fund a training programme, helping gallery assistants to become art-educators.

Peter Doroshenko, the director of Baltic, said: “Arts education is at the heart of everything we do and this substantial investment will enable us to further develop this work.

“It will ensure that more people than ever before are able to participate in our education programmes and activities.”

The new centre will be up and running by Spring 2007.For more information, email info@balticmill.com or go to the website at www.balticmill.com

* newsdesk@tes.co.uk