The building is on the north east end of the Nelson Terrace and Dovecot Street crossing.

It was designed by RHWL Arts Team, and won a Civic Trust Award in 2001.

It re-opened to the public in September 2003 and has gradually recovered from its initial organisational and financial problems.

[3] In June 2012 and September 2014, ARC hosted the television show Question Time, the BBC's flagship programme of topical debate.

It also has links with Stockton Riverside College and Durham University to increase student usage.