THERE was a buzz of anticipation and excitement as thousands of people streamed through the doors of Derby's new arts centre this weekend.

People of all ages came to the Market Place to view the new £11m Quad – Derby's first combined cinema, gallery and café.

Five thousand people visited Quad on Friday between 2pm, when it opened, and 10pm.

A major attraction was the 100 photographs of Derby people that lined the walls of the stairs and foyer.

The17: Slice Though Derby exhibition depicts 100 groups of people living and working around the city, including Big Issue sellers, punks and cyclists.

Serena Gilzean, of Caxton Street, Sunny Hill, was at the opening with her four-year-old niece, Samara Brown.

The 30-year-old said: "I'm a great fan of places like this. I think it's something that will put Derby on the map. I like the fact that everything's here in the city centre. It's a good way to have a cultured night out."

Gus Pendred, of Monk Street, Derby, was also impressed. He said: "I think it's a really positive idea. It not only has the cinemas and galleries but also work spaces, giving local artists a place to express themselves. There are so many talented artists in Derby."

The 20-year-old student nurse added: "I also like the fact that it's right next to the Assembly Rooms and the Guildhall, so it's like old meets new."

Architect Peter Newman said he thought the building was "fantastic". The 27-year-old, of Monarch Drive, Oakwood, said: "I remember when they had the exhibitions for its design in the Market Place. There was a lot of opposition to it, especially from some of the older residents, who thought it was a bit too modern for Derby. But I think the contemporary design of it has proved to work and is successful."

Mr Newman said he hoped Quad would be good for the Cathedral Quarter.

He said: "I hope it brings more money into this part of Derby. We really need it."

Dittany Matthews, of Kingston, Surrey, but formerly of Derby, planned to visit the city at the weekend so it coincided with the Quad opening.

The 54-year-old said: "I think it's quite interesting just to look out of the windows and see very familiar buildings from different angles, such as the cathedral and the Council House."

Roy Harrison, of Duffield Road, Derby, said he thought the centre would be an asset to the city. The 62-year-old said: "I'm quite impressed with the cinema and think it will bring a different sort of person into Derby at night."

Scott Simpson, 35, of Park Grove, Derby, said: "I think it's great that we'll have a cinema in the city centre showing a good variety of alternative films."