With over one million visitors each year, Gateshead Quays is one of the UK's most iconic waterfront locations. The area has seen a huge transformation over the last 15 years and is now a thriving cultural destinnation, home to many world-class attractions.
Enhance
And it's set to get even better, with the announcement in July by the Council to enhance the site even more with a new multi-million pound, state-of-art entertainment arena and conference and exhibition centre.
The 10-acre site which sits directly opposite Gateshead Millennium Bridge and between the area's most iconic buildings - Sage Gateshead and BALTIC - will include:
A 12,500 seat arena to replace the existing Metro Radio Arena;
conference and exhibition facilities; as well as
hotel, bars and restaurants
Council Leader Martin Gannon said: "We've wanted to regenerate and revitalise this key on Gateshead Quays for a long time and internationally recognisable facilities of this scale has always been our long term aspiration.
"This will not only bring new life to the area but also new jobs and significantly boost the local and regional economy."
"An arena and conference and exhibition facility will also play an important role in complementing and strengthening demand for national and international conferences, exhibitions and events at Sage Gateshead and BALTIC, as well as acting as catalyst for wider investment across Gateshead and further stimulating economic growth.
Unique
"We're now more confident than ever that we can finally push forward with our exciting plans for this £200 million development site. Working closely with our development partners Ask Real Estate and leading investment and development manager PATRIZIA UK, SMG Europe, local partners and the private sector, it really is time to give the North East another landmark destination nd complete the picture of this truly unique, riverside site."
The new facilities on Gateshead Quays will be capable of holding major music and cultural events, as well as conferences and exhibitions. It is anticipated that the development will support more than 1,140 jobs, with well over half being new jobs. It's also estimated that it will boost the regional economy by over £29.5 million annually by attracting an extra 296,000 visitors to the region.
The next step for the developments site are for a detailed scheme design to be drawn up ahead of pre-planning and pre-construction phases.
For more information, visit www.investgateshead.com/gatesheadquays