£20m Gateshead retail and leisure scheme set to create hundreds of jobs

A multi-million pound retail and leisure scheme in Gateshead is set to progress following the unveiling of updated plans.

Developer Fintry Estates has revealed reshaped plans to focus on economic recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The developer initially outlined plans for the 3.3 hectare site off Albany Road, south of the Baltic Business Quarter, in 2018.

Plans for the site now include a discount foodstore, two large retail units totalling 3,500 sq m and two smaller retail units totalling 230 sqm, a micro brewery hospitality space, a drive-thru coffee outlet and a gym.

It is estimated that the scheme could create over 130 jobs, in addition to 125 jobs during construction, and attract private investment of around £20m to the area.

Graham Wilson, of Fintry Estates, commented: “Our proposals would not only regenerate the Albany Road site but would also help to stimulate interest in sites elsewhere within the Council’s Baltic Business Quarter.

“Investment such as this is critical given the need for economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Fintry has appointed the Newcastle office of national planning and development consultancy Lichfields to secure planning consent, with plans expected to go to Gateshead Council’s Planning Committee next month.

Lichfields senior director, Jonathan Wallace, commented: “By reserving land for future highways improvements, the scheme would help to stimulate development interest in the wider Baltic Business Quarter area.”

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