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The redevelopment of the Ruthin Craft Centre has been highlighted in a national newspaper as a centre of excellence in contemporary applied art.

An article published in the Sunday Telegraph describes the development by architects Segison Bates as a 'strikingly modern reworking of the site that lifts up its eyes to the hills and makes a bold connection with the surrounding country.  Its zinc -covered roof replicates in sweeping zigzags to the outline of the hills, at the same time nodding towards the region's past: in the 18th century the Vale of Clwyd was home to the world's largest zinc mines.

The Craft Centre Director, Philip Hughes is also praised in the article by ceramist Walter Keeler as being 'a very active person who has taken a provincial little gallery and turned it into something of international significance.' Keeler further describes Ruthin Craft Centre as being 'the most professional organisation I've worked with'.

The new centre houses three galleries, six artist studios, retail gallery, education and residency workshops, tourist information and a café with courtyard terrace and is now open to the public.

Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, with responsibility for culture, said: 'The redevelopment of the Craft Centre has been a major project that has been several years in the planning and the result is a tremendous building that reflects the contemporary nature of the development whilst in keeping with its surroundings.

'Anyone visiting the new facilities cannot fail to be impressed with the development and with an exciting programme of exhibitions in place, it is truly a inspirational place and we hope that residents, visitors and contemporary art lovers alike will sample what's on offer.'

Ruthin Craft Centre received a £3.15 million Capital Lottery Grant from the Arts Council of Wales, one of the largest grants of its kind in North Wales. The other funders are: the Welsh Assembly Government (Department of Economy and Transport), Denbighshire County Council, Ruthin Town Council and Cadwyn Clwyd.

Full details are available on www.ruthincraftcentre.co.uk