Firstsite, Colchester's £26million arts gallery, is open to the public from today - and we want to know what you think about it.

The new arts gallery is a regional base for the visual arts and the cornerstone of the St Botolph's Quarter – a project to regenerate the St Botolph’s area of Colchester.

Peter Martin, leader of Essex County Council, admitted there had been some tricky periods for the building, finished four years late and at least £10million over budget.

He said: “We have ended up with a stunning building, but we have had our moments on the road through.

“It may not convince the sceptics, but the supporters of Firstsite have funded the project because we were investing in success and a vision, and in our excellent director Kath Wood, who has been an inspiration for this project over the past few years.”

Mr Martin said the St Botolph's Quarter, which will feature three hotels, a new business centre for creative firms and the Vineyard Gate shopping centre, would help attract 500,000 more visitors to Colchester.

The Essex County Standard wants to know your views of the Firstsite arts gallery.

Have you visited the gallery? If so, what did you think? Were you impressed with the building? Would you visit again?

What did you think of the Camulodunum exhibition and the gallery's facilities? What would you like to see at Firstsite?

Do you think there was enough promotion of Firstsite in the town with posters, signs and banners?

Will it be an asset to Colchester or a white elephant?

Please add your comments below.