Contractor named for £260m Gateshead Quays conference centre

Ask:Patrizia, Gateshead Council’s development partner, has awarded Sir Robert McAlpine the contract to build the long awaited waterfront conference and exhibition centre. The development, situated on the NewcastleGateshead Quayside, includes a 12,500-capacity arena; 6,300sqm of conference and exhibition space; two hotels, bars, restaurants, car parking and extensive areas of public realm. Chief Executive of Gateshead Council, Sheena Ramsey, said: “The appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine brings us a huge step closer to delivering this world-class events destination for the region and we’re glad to have them on board. This development will act as a catalyst for renewed economic growth, maximising local employment, training and supply chain opportunities. This is about being ambitious for Gateshead, we need everyone in the borough to be able to fulfil their true potential and projects like this create the conditions for them to thrive.” Mark Gibson, Managing Director for the Scotland and Northern Region, at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We’re excited to be working on this world-class conference and events development on the River Tyne, in a region with a global reputation for its cultural and leisure offer. We bring a wealth of experience and have a highly-skilled, senior team to deliver this fantastic project using the local workforce and subcontractors wherever possible. We are looking forward to making a start as soon as the planning process is completed.” Speaking on behalf of Ask:Patrizia, John Hughes, MD of Ask Real Estate said: “Sir Robert McAlpine has a reputation for technical excellence and delivering complex developments safely, on time and within budget. We are looking forward to working with them to see this superb facility materialise.” The new complex is set to open in 2023 with a full planning application expected to be submitted in early 2020. It is expected to add over 1,000 jobs and £29m GVA per annum to the regional economy and is unique in the fact that it benefits from the ability to connect directly to a low carbon district energy network on site. ASM Global was confirmed as the venue management provider for the new centre in October. The contractor was formed after a merger between SMG Europe and AEG Facilities and will manage daily operations of the centre when it opens in 2023. Photo courtesy of Visit England