New Gateshead Quayside £260 million arena takes step forward

Plans for a £260 million conference and exhibition centre on Gateshead Quayside have taken a step forward after Gateshead Council named a contractor for the project.

Building and civil engineering company Sir Robert McAlpine has been awarded the contract to build the waterfront destination, which includes a 12,500-capacity arena, 6300 mtr sq of conference and exhibition space, two hotels, bars, restaurants, car parking and other public spaces.

Sir Robert McAlpine has a strong track record of delivering projects of scale and is committed to the highest standards of safety, quality, engineering excellence and sustainability.

The new Gateshead conference and exhibition centre is being hailed as one of the most exciting developments of its kind in the UK.

It’s expected to add over 1000 jobs and £29 million GVA per annum to the regional economy.

Sheena Ramsey, chief executive of Gateshead Council, 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, 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.”