The Northern Ireland Executive is to invest £4.6m in a temporary cultural venue in Derry-Londonderry, which will host events as part of the UK City of Culture 2013 programme.

Vital Venue will host a number of major events throughout the year and will accommodate more than 2,000 people seated theatre-style or 4,000 standing.

The structure will be built on the Ebrington site to the rear of the city's Clock Tower. It is to remain in place during 2013, before being removed at the start of 2014.

Northern Ireland's Department of Social Development has already allocated £10m towards the UK City of Culture celebrations. Vital Venue will host around 45 events.

Social development minister Nelson McCausland said: "The funding will provide a temporary covered indoor venue on the Ebrington site to host many of the major events planned for 2013."

Details: www.northernireland.gov.uk