Old Gateshead centre getting new lease of life with £100k National Lottery funding

Gateway Studio Project (GSP) has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to transform Gateshead High Street’s Trinity Centre.

The funding will go towards the building being turned into a centre for arts, heritage and local community.

Development funding of just over £100k has been awarded to GSP, which is a dance-themed arts organisation, and is said to be the only professional dance group in Gateshead.

Martin Hylton, GSP’s founder and artistic director, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which provides an amazing opportunity to breathe new life into a heritage building.

“Dance and the arts are powerful tools in transforming individuals and communities. This new development will not only put Gateshead firmly on the map in terms of developing and supporting professional artists, but will also help to transform the local community.”

The initial funding will allow GSP to develop plans to acquire, restore and convert the John Dobson Grade I-listed former church into space including office accommodation and studio hire.

The building, on one of Gateshead’s oldest sites with the adjacent St Edmund’s Chapel dating back to the 13th century, will be a focal point on Gateshead High Street for the local community.

As well as working professionally with children, young people and adults, GSP also uses its works with harder-to-reach young people from areas of socio-economic disadvantage, looked-after children and young people at risk, or those suffering with poor mental health.