Sage decision expected next year
The North East Mayor’s office has confirmed a study is still ongoing to determine whether the stalled riverside arena on Gateshead Quayside can proceed and, if so, in what form.
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 12,500 capacity arena was to follow, with completion expected in 2027.
However, rising costs for the project provoked significant delays and with no spades in the ground, the North East Combined Authority intervened earlier this year and initiated a study into the feasibility and ongoing options for the prime riverside site.
In January 2023, the estimated cost of the arena and conference development was reported to have risen from an original £260m to more than £350m.
An update was initially expected in the summer, but NECA officials have confirmed the assessment is now due to conclude early next year.
One option under consideration to reduce costs is downsizing the development.
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.
Labour Mayor Kim McGuinness said in August that she remained confident in the plans, describing Gateshead Quays as “pretty much the best place in the country” for a new arena.
