Gateshead Councils Plans to Bid For £20million Levelling Up Funding
Last updated 1st Jul 2022
The skyline of the quayside is set to be transformed with the opening of The Sage, an Arena and Conference centre. On completion in 2024, the centre will draw a global audience to Gateshead, substantially boosting the local and regional economy. Plans for the Arena, Conference and Exhibition Centre were announced before global events rocked the supply chain, throwing costing uncertainty into the mix and putting financial pressures on the development.
Gateshead Council is submitting a £20million Levelling Up Bid to Government, as part of its levelling up agenda, the bid is backed by local MP’s, neighbouring councils and major stakeholders across the borough. The scheme like all aspects of life has been impacted by the rising costs, if secured the levelling up funding will help combat the rising costs freeing resources which will allow for the investment in planned elements required for adding additional value to the surrounding area. The scheme whilst being delivered by Gateshead Council, will be of significant economic benefit to the North East as a whole. Having an international grade Conference Centre and Arena on the Quayside will be transformative for the region; additionally, it will also provide a park and benefit from links to the Council’s District Heating Network and heat from minewater scheme. It will also promote local businesses and become one of the region’s tourism hot spots.
The Sage represents substantial investment by the private sector and Gateshead Council, to be delivered by Ask and Patrizia with ASM Global and naming partner Sage PLC, will bring benefits to the region which far outreach the quayside. Residents in the region can look forward to verity of employment opportunities with the development creating 2,000 jobs which will vary across trade during construction period, hospitality and events.
The Sage will cement Gateshead’s spot on the global stage, and it is predicted that there will be over one million visitors to the region directly as result of it opening. A sizable increase in footfall will bring a £70milllion boost to the local economy each year. This boost will also provide a catalyst for future projects which will shape the future of Gateshead. Gateshead Council are dedicated to identifying and creating better places for business to invest and thrive, providing Grade A business centres which support sustainable jobs for the residents within the borough and regionally.
Local business and neighbours the Sage Gateshead and BALTIC already looking at how they can benefit from development the opening in 2024. We’ve already seen new businesses begin to establish roots in Gateshead, four proprietors of pubs in the Railway Quarter of Gateshead are preparing for The Sage, opening, ambitiously transforming the Wellington Street Railway Arches into a destination for micro brewery’s and craft beer. International IT Company and naming partner Sage PLC are already planning on how spaces will be dedicated to local businesses, making it a bustling hub of North East flare and pride.
Alice from Axis Bar:
“We want great beer to accessible and approachable for everyone, we are excited to be one of the businesses to be bringing opportunity to Gateshead residents” she went on to say “the Council have been nothing but supportive since we started the journey. We are excited for the opportunity to be a destination for visitors to the area, before they attend events at The Sage.”
Peter Udall, Strategic Director of Economy, Innovation and Growth:
“A successful Levelling Up bid, and the funding this would release from Government, is key to providing opportunities for our residents. Our bid more than fulfils Government’s brief for levelling up and would support the Council’s aims to improve the quality of life for local people, supporting them to Thrive. It will increase a sense of pride in the area as well as regional employment opportunities. The Sage, Arena, Conference and Exhibition Centre shows the scale of the ambition we have in Gateshead, and we’re seizing the opportunity to become globally renowned as a conference and exhibition destination, together with the benefit from economic uplift it brings. While the true impact won’t be felt until the opening in 2024 we are working with the main contractor, BAM, to ensure local talent and supply chains are used where possible”.
Sarah Green, Chief Executive, NewcastleGateshead Initiative:
“The Sage is a game-changer. It will transform our business event offer, drive the visitor economy and create 2,000 new jobs whilst enabling the region to showcase our great destination to the world.
“The development will act as a catalyst to the meetings and events industry, enabling us to attract larger international conferences and will put the North East of England on the map as a unique and distinctive place to visit and hold world-leading events. By attracting global conferences in our key sectors, we will support our inward investment efforts bringing investors and leading experts in our key sectors to experience the best we have.
“The fantastic location, the quality of the proposed development, the access to Newcastle city centre and the stunning views from the Sage ICC have already attracted attention from international conference organisers creating strong forward demand.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming international business visitors, increasing spend in our high streets, bars and restaurants and ultimately enjoying their time in the region.”