The ambitious scheme, if agreed at planning, will unlock local training and apprenticeship opportunities and create approximately 2,000 jobs during and after the three-year construction phase.
The site is positioned between the BALTIC and Sage Gateshead and is set to be brought forward in partnership with Gateshead Council, in plans which are hoped will inject a much needed £60m into the regional economy each year, while attracting an extra 300,000 visitors to the North East.
If the scheme gets the green light, the area will be transformed to incorporate an international flat floor convention and exhibition centre, as well as a state-of-the-art, 12,500 seat entertainment arena, a physically linked dual branded hotel, leisure and extensive public realm.
Helen Golightly, Chief Executive of North East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) said: “As our region looks to the future following the impact of COVID-19, investment in major projects like the Quays signals confidence to our wider investment and business communities and demonstrates a positive step for our economy, in particular to the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors, which have been severely affected by the Covid 19 pandemic. The iconic design will complement its neighbours along the river, adding to the global recognition of the Tyneside Quayside.”
