"Transformational" £260m Gateshead Quays regeneration scheme gets go-ahead

Multi-million pound plans for the regeneration of Gateshead Quayside have today been given the green light.

Gateshead Council’s planning committee has approved plans for the development of the £260m arena-led regeneration scheme, which is expected to create over 2,000 jobs.

The scheme, which sits on the NewcastleGateshead waterfront at Gateshead Quays, includes an arena, purpose-built conference and exhibition centre, restaurants, a dual branded hotel and areas of outdoor realm and performance space.

The plans were submitted by Gateshead Council’s development partner Ask:PATRIZIA, who have appointed Sir Robert McAlpine to build the 54,500 sqm scheme, designed by HOK Architects.

Cllr Martin Gannon, Gateshead council leader, commented: “We’ve wanted to revitalise this key site for a long time. Our long-term aspiration has always been to bring internationally recognisable facilities of this scale to not just Gateshead but the entire region.

“This project is transformational, and today’s decision signals confidence in the North East. Newcastle Gateshead Quays will be a global leader in entertainment, leisure, and hospitality but most importantly it is about creating new employment and training opportunities for thousands at a time when they are badly needed.

“Despite the current challenges, we need to remember the worth of the events industry. We look forward to opening the venue late 2023.”

Speaking on behalf of the Ask:PATRIZIA partnership John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate added: “We have worked closely with the Council and the wider stakeholders to ensure this regeneration scheme delivers maximum benefit to the wider region and will put this iconic waterfront on the map internationally.

“We have brought together a world-class team of designers, architects and operators to deliver this scheme which will be one of Europe’s key cultural locations.

“We look forward to now starting construction work and bringing these superb public facilities to life.”