‘Game changing’ destination coming up at Gateshead Quays

Article posted by Coliseum, December 3^rd, 2019

Image: Sir Robert McAlpine

A £260m development – arena, conference and exhibition center on Gateshead Quays – UK’s most iconic waterfront locations – is inching forward following Sir Robert McAlpine being named as contractor.

Ask-PATRIZIA (a joint venture between Ask Real Estate Limited and PATRIZIA AG, the pan-European real estate investment partner, for the development of Gateshead Quayside), Gateshead Council’s development partner, are aiming to build a ‘game-changing’ waterfront conference and events destination.

The famed development, situated on the iconic Newcastle Gateshead Quayside, famously features an arena which can hold up to 12,500 people, 6,300m2 of conference and exhibition space, two hotels, bars, restaurants, car parking and extensive areas of public domain.

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The Chief Executive of Gateshead Council, Sheena Ramsey, explained, “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, maximizing local employment, training and supply chain opportunities. This is about being ambitious for Gateshead, we need everyone in the borough to be able to fulfill their true potential and projects like this create the conditions for them to thrive.”

John Hughes, Managing Director 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 materialize.”

The new complex is set to open in 2023 with a full planning application expected to be submitted in early 2020.

The 10-acre site sits directly opposite the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and between the area’s most historic buildings, Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

The objective of the new development is to create a new destination on the waterfront abuzz with activity with easy access to the Quays, Gateshead Town Centre and the wider region.

Mark Gibson, Managing Director for the Scotland and Northern Region, at Sir Robert McAlpine, added, “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,” Gibson further added.

Award-winning global architect, HOK, is designing the new arena, conference and exhibition center. AHR Architects is designing the overall master plan for the site. The project team also includes: Project Manager and Contract Administrator, Legends; Gardiner and Theobald, QS; ARUP, Structural Engineers/M&E and Vectos for Transport Planning.

Earlier this year, ASM Global signed on the dotted line with the partnership as venue management provider for the complex which will host international conferences, exhibitions as well as music and cultural events.

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