Regeneration plans for Baltic Quarter gather pace

The next chapter of a landmark North East regeneration project is taking shape with proposals for a new mixed-use neighbourhood on the south bank of the Tyne.

ECF, a partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse, has signed a pre-development agreement with Gateshead Council to progress ambitious proposals for the Baltic Quarter, which could deliver up to 1600 new homes alongside high specification office space, shops, leisure venues and public spaces. 

Officials say the agreement allows the partners to work together on funding, phasing and delivery, helping to shape how the “transformational” site is brought forward over time.

Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Gateshead has always been a place of strength, pride and ambition – a place that gets things done, and can deliver regeneration as we did with the Glasshouse (Sage Gateshead) and BALTIC 25 years ago.

“This new agreement, working with a respected industry partner like ECF is testament to that and demonstrates our proactive approach to regenerating our neighbourhoods for the future.”

Sitting at the heart of Gateshead Council’s regeneration strategy, launched in September 2025, the Baltic Quarter is already home to a growing business community, Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre.

The wider ambition is to build on this existing success by supporting current businesses and skilled workers while attracting new talent to Gateshead and neighbouring Newcastle.

Plans will explore how new homes, workplaces and community spaces can be integrated with improved landscaping, walking routes and infrastructure, creating a vibrant and well-connected neighbourhood. 

New retail, food and leisure uses are also expected to help draw more people into the area.

The site’s sustainability credentials have been strengthened by recent investment, including the opening of a 1000-space car park with future electric vehicle charging capacity, as well as the presence of a district energy network powered by the UK’s largest urban solar farm and naturally warmed mine water.

Councillor Gannon added: “The Baltic Quarter is a key project for the Council and one we believe can have a transformational impact on the whole of the borough.

“The site offers the potential to deliver over 1600 new homes, both affordable and for market sale, new office space for businesses, as well as high quality public spaces and improved links with nearby neighbourhoods, our town centre and the Quays.

“We believe it will be a fantastic shop window for Gateshead, attracting potential future investors.”

Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, added: “The Baltic Quarter already has a vibrant community and we look forward to working with Gateshead Council to bring their wider vision for the area to life.

“Following the signing of the pre-development agreement, we will now work with the council and other stakeholders to shape the plans to support the delivery of this exciting opportunity.

“Gateshead Council’s wider regeneration vision is a perfect example of how UK towns and cities can use their industrial heritage to support not just today’s plans but tomorrow’s ambitions, and the generations to come.”

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