On the Newcastle:Gateshead waterfront - big reveal

New images have been revealed showing the green and public open spaces which will be created on the Newcastle:Gateshead waterfront, in the North East of England, as part of Gateshead Council’s arena-led regeneration scheme, Newcastle Gateshead Quays. The 7,4000sqm scheme includes a 12,500-seat arena, a conference and exhibition centre, two hotels, bars, restaurants and car parking all linked by over 12,500sqm of new public realm. Designed by landscape architects Planit-IE, the public realm forms a key part of the arena-led scheme which is being delivered by the Council’s development partner Ask:PATRIZIA. The proposals are currently awaiting planning approval after a period of public consultation. The delivery of the £260m (US$340m) scheme, which is designed by global architects HOK and AHR Architects, will see the creation of around 1,000 new jobs in the hospitality and leisure sector across the region and a further 1,000 in the construction sector. It is anticipated that it will give a £60m (US$78m) boost to the local economy drawing in a total of 770,000 visitors to the region each year. Managing director of Planit-IE, Ed Lister, said: “Newcastle:Gateshead Quays is one of the UK’s most iconic waterfront locations alongside Liverpool and London. We have worked closely with Gateshead Council, key stakeholders and the delivery teams to design public spaces which we hope will provide a memorable addition to this exceptional location. “It was important for us to listen carefully to the people who already live, work, study and visit the area and that has helped to focus our thinking and influence the design which we hope will be enjoyed for generations to come.”