Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw has praised Leicester's Curve theatre as one of the best venues in the country.

The cabinet minister toured Leicester's Cultural Quarter yesterday, visiting Phoenix Square, the Creative Business Depot and the theatre.

Last year an Audit Commission report criticised the total cost of Curve, which rose from an initial estimate of £26.5m to more than £60m.

But Mr Bradshaw said: "It may have run over budget but in terms of what Curve will bring the city in the long term, I think there will be massive benefits.

"A cultured city attracts new businesses and encourages young creative students from Leicestershire to stay in the area.

"A good theatre is the key part of any city's cultural side and the Curve has such a unique and impressive design. It's one of the best venues I've seen."

He added: "I had no idea Leicester had such incredible facilities."

Mr Bradshaw then visited the newly-opened Phoenix Square, a £21m entertainment and events development, where he spoke to young film-makers and authors about how experts had advised them on working in the media .

He said: "The media industry is hard to get a break in at any level, so schemes like this which can show young people the ropes are invaluable."

Mr Bradshaw also toured Leicester Creative Business Depot, in nearby Rutland Street, and finished his county visit at Launde Primary School in Oadby, where he met pupils taking part in a dance and fitness project.

Mr Bradshaw had earlier visited Loughborough University to tour its recently opened £15m SportPark building. The complex, off Ashby Road, is to be the headquarters of a range of national sports' governing bodies.