MORE than 10,000 people attended a controversial new art gallery in Colchester during its First week.

Bosses couldn’t be happier with the initial influx of those fascinated with the Firstsite building, designed by Rafael Vinoly.

Costing £25million, the gallery on the former bus station site, took almost five years to build and ended up £10million overbudget.

However bosses feel it was money well spent and proudly told how 10,354 people had paid a visit since last Sunday - more than 3,000 came on the opening day.

Katherine Wood, Firstsite director, said: “It has been extremely exciting to welcome so many people the new building.

“Visitors have enjoyed the variety of the opening exhibition, had fun in the education spaces, experienced the Berryfield mosaic, Latin American art display and restaurant.

“We are thrilled with the response.”

The 3,200 square metre facility featured on BBC 2s the Culture Show on Friday night with presenter Andrew Graham-Dixon taking a look around.

He spoke about the building and the artwork and exhibitions on display, which currently includes print work and sculptures.

There are also ongoing events featuring film screenings and talks.

The only permanent exhibit is the Berryfield Mosaic, a Roman mosaic unearthed at the VAF site in 1923.

Also featured at the Firstsite building is a daytime cafe and evening restaurant, a souvenir shop, learning studios for workshops and school groups, meeting rooms for hire, and a 190 seat auditorium.