THE transformation of a dilapidated roundhouse into a star attraction and centre for village activities has been unveiled to the public.

The Brigantium roundhouse at Rochester was completed just in time for Redefest, where an official unveiling took place.

Students from Newcastle University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscaping worked in partnership with Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust’s art & architecture programme and the local community in Rochester.

Together, they designed and built an open air ampitheatre and contemporary timber pavilion to be used for stargazing, musical performances and range of community workshops.

Redeveloping the roundhouse was the latest part of an ongoing collaboration between the school of architecture and the development trust to create public-facing architectural commissions and activities.

Past work has included constructing a stargazing pavilion at Stonehaugh in 2014, and the warm room on Kielder’s community campsite in 2015.

Newcastle University’s director of architecture, Graham Farmer, said: “This is the school’s third major design-build project in Northumberland and this has probably been the most ambitious so far.

“The opportunity to work collaboratively with the community at Rochester and a range of organisations has been invaluable for all the students and staff involved.

“Projects like these provide a rich learning experience and the students have gained numerous transferable skills.

“The most important aspect of this work is that students learn the value of volunteering their skills and time, motivated by an awareness that they are delivering a long-term social benefit to communities.”

Vice chairman of Rochester Village Hall, Red Kellie, said: “This project is one of true collaboration, bringing the community together with many other parties to create something very unique for the people of Rochester and visitors from further afield.”

The Newcastle University Students’ Union Go Volunteer scheme funded the dry stone walling training and sessions, students’ expenses and transport. Alongside students from the UK, volunteers from Malaysia, Oman, the UAE, China, Germany and Canada took part in the project.

Other support from partners included Northumberland National Park Authority, Arts Council England, Lord Redesdale, Redefest and the Sir James Knott Trust and Northumberland county councillor John Riddle’s community chest.