The balustrade offers vies of the River Tyne quayside

A 100-metre long ribbon of coloured glass forms a walkway through the �70m Sage Gateshead.

The music complex, due to open in December, is already renowned for its stunning glass roof.

Now the multi-coloured balustrade, designed by architectural glass artist Kate Maestri, is being hailed as a "magnificent addition" to the building.

Running along the concourse of the building, the glass balustrade overlooks the River Tyne, offering prime views of the Tyne Bridge and Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

It weighs the equivalent of more than seven grand pianos and is made up of 51 glass panels, each 1100mm high with an average length of 2 metres.

The balustrade will be extended outside the building next year, when about 50 more panels will lengthen the artwork to a total of 200 metres.

Kate Maestri, who is based at the Oxo Tower in London, said: "My design was inspired by the shape of this spectacular new building, its site on the banks of the Tyne and the music for which The Sage Gateshead has been created.

Mick Henry and Kate Maestri unveiled the balustrade

"It's an exciting moment to see the finished work and has been a great experience to collaborate so closely with the architect and client from such an early stage of the project development."

Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, which commissioned the Sage, added: "The use of art in public spaces in Gateshead has helped improve the whole environment for local residents and visitors.

"It has challenged local people to respond to art, acting as a catalyst for regeneration in the borough and attracting visitors to the area based on our growing international reputation for culture.

"The Sage Gateshead is a natural focal point along our developing quayside and we were keen to incorporate public art within it."

The Sage Gateshead will open on 17 December with a weekend of performance and participation events so local people can take part.

During the first few months, musicians from the region, around the country and from around the world will perform at the complex.