Gateshead approves major town centre regeneration
Land around the Metrocentre, the flyover, the Quays, the Old Town Hall, the Railway Quarter, and the Interchange will be at the centre of plans to revamp the district, with new homes and jobs set to be created.
The council has approved the scheme in principle, however it noted that ‘significant’ public funding – as yet unsecured – will be needed to make the framework a reality.
The Gateshead Regeneration Programme Partnership Board will now be set up, and will work alongside Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority to drive regeneration in the area.
Council leader Martin Gannon said it was a “landmark moment”.
It is a framework detailing existing and planned infrastructure plans, areas for potential investment and a commitment to “enabling all residents to thrive”.
Newcastle and Gateshead are set to receive up to £1m of initial admin funding from NECA, which is establishing its first Mayoral Development Zone focused on accelerating urban regeneration, attracting private and public investment, and reshaping the economic landscape of the region.
Projects like regenerating the Old Town Hall and Railway Quarter are already under way.
Developer Capital&Centric is working towards detailed plans and a consultation on the Old Town Hall, as it looks to turn the grade two-listed building and surrounds into a modern neighbourhood.
The council noted how it hopes the soon-to-be-demolished flyover will become a neighbourhood of up to 1,000 homes.
