£24m Gateshead Quays phase one plans submitted
The long delayed proposals, being brought forward by the council with development partner Ask:PATRIZIA, will deliver an open-air performance square, plaza, linear park, and improved pedestrian connections across the waterfront.
The scheme forms part of the wider regeneration of Gateshead Quays and is intended to prepare the site for future investment, including a proposed 12,500 to 15,000-capacity arena – with previous market engagement identifying interest from at least four major arena operators.
The £24m funding package was approved in March to support infrastructure and enabling works at the site, including preparation of serviced development plots and a standalone platform for the proposed arena, alongside the public realm works.
Funding will also support the next stage of arena development, including the procurement of an investor/operator and RIBA Stage 1 site design.
Subject to planning permission, Performance Square will be the largest space within the first phase, providing an area for events and performances alongside seating and waterfront space for everyday use.
The linear park will connect the riverside with the Baltic Quarter, while the arrival plaza and improved pedestrian routes are intended to improve access across the site.
The design incorporates references to Gateshead’s coal mining heritage, with features reflecting the layers of coal and rock beneath the site.
The works represent the first major scheme within the Newcastle-Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone. The wider Gateshead Quays project is being progressed by Gateshead Council in partnership with the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority and Ask:PATRIZIA.
The overall vision for the area has been beset by delays. Construction on the site between the Glasshouse and the Baltic art gallery was originally scheduled to begin in autumn 2023, having been unanimously approved in July that year.
Lendlease was appointed to build the 60,000 sq ft Sage International Conference Centre, phase one of the project, in August 2023.
Delivery of the arena was then to follow, however, rising costs for the project provoked significant delays and with no spades in the ground, the North East Combined Authority intervened in 2025 and initiated a study into the feasibility and ongoing options for the prime riverside site.
Designed by HOK Architects, the project team also included planning consultants Lichfields, engineer Cundall, QS Core Five, Planit-IE, Crowd Dynamics, Vectos, and MEP consultants Desco.
Speaking about the recent submission, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “I want to see the Gateshead Quays become a world-class destination, with the biggest acts performing in a new arena on the banks of the Tyne.
“We no longer want to see acts like Harry Styles and Taylor Swift skipping the region because we don’t have a venue big enough for all their North East fans.
“But it’s also important that this iconic waterfront works for local people now because for too long it’s been overlooked. That’s why we’re investing in a new performance square and park that people can enjoy every day.
“The investment at Gateshead Quays is part of our wider £104m plan to grow the North East’s creative industries, a film studio in Sunderland, support for small venues, investment in creative skills and more major events so we can attract new visitors and make sure we have great creative careers here in the region.”
Neil Pickup, project director at Ask Real Estate, said: “We look forward to delivering this important phase of work, which will create new public spaces where people can visit, enjoy and spend time.
“The proposed design will provide significant benefits for the local community and the wider region, ensuring that Gateshead Quays is a more welcoming and accessible waterfront destination for all.”
Cllr Steve Campion, cabinet member for economic development at Gateshead Council, said: “These proposals represent a major step forward in delivering the vision for Gateshead Quays.
“If planning permission is granted, we will see beautiful and high-quality public spaces in a part of our quayside which has been neglected for too long.
“This initial work is also fundamental to unlocking the site’s future potential and creating the conditions needed to bring forward future development opportunities, including the proposed arena.
“This investment will help strengthen Gateshead Quays and Gateshead town centre as a premier destination for both local people and visitors from across the North East.”
