Features

Plans submitted for Gateshead Quays complex

A planning application has been formally submitted for a development project on Gateshead Quays, which will be anchored by a new 12,500-seat arena in the English town.

The wide-ranging development would be built at a cost of £260m (€298m/$323m) and serve as a waterfront conference and events destination.

As well as the arena, the development will feature 6,300 square metres of conference and exhibition space, two hotels, bars, restaurants, car parking and “extensive areas of public realm”.

As reported by local newspaper The Chronicle, new designs for the arena have been revealed to coincide with the submission of the planning application.

Sir Robert McAlpine was awarded the contract to build the complex back in November. The contract was awarded to McAlpine by Ask: Patrizia, the joint venture between Gateshead Council, Ask Real Estate and investment development manager Patrizia.

“We have undertaken a programme of public consultation with local stakeholders and neighbours which has informed our plans for Gateshead Quays and we are pleased that we are now able to take this through to the final stage of the planning process,” John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate, said, according to The Chronicle.

“Our appointed contractors Sir Robert McAlpine have been engaging with the technical teams and with the arena operator ASM Global and we have signed-off stage 2 designs for what will be a world-class events destination.

“We are hopeful that the scheme will achieve full planning consent later this year and look forward to delivering this superb facility for the North East as soon as possible.”

Facility management and venue services company ASM Global has already been appointed as the venue management provider for the development, while HOK has been appointed to design the arena and conference and exhibition centre.

The 12,500-seat arena would host major music and cultural events as well as international conferences and exhibitions. It is hoped the complex can open in 2023.

Image: HOK