New arena a ‘step closer to bringing the biggest bands to the North East’

Plans for a new arena on the banks of the Tyne have taken a major step forward, as Gateshead Quays is set to receive £24m from North East Mayor Kim McGuinness to get work started on-site.

The North East – home to Sam Fender and pop-icon Jade Thirlwall – has a thriving cultural scene, and a new arena is high on the wish list for many local people to draw in more big acts and international performers.

The investment marks a significant turning point in the project to bring a new major 12,500-15,000 seat arena to the North East that could rival other cultural powerhouses like Manchester, Glasgow and London.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, said: “We’re one step closer to bringing the biggest bands to the North East with a new arena at Gateshead Quays. This is a really exciting step forward for this project which will mean local people can enjoy more world-class shows right here on their doorstep.

“Our region is hugely proud of our home-grown talent like Sam Fender and Jade Thirlwall, but we need a modern arena to bring more big names to the North East. Our funding will get the site ready for the development, so people will be able to see enabling works start on-site soon. We’re speeding up developments that benefit local people and it would be amazing to see the world’s biggest bands playing on the banks of the Tyne in the near future.”

Mayor Kim’s investment forms one part of a new £104m package announced today to transform creative industries in the region and drive new jobs and opportunities for local people, including brand-new film studios in Sunderland, support for small venues and funding for events and festivals up and down the region.

The funding – subject to approval by the Mayor and Cabinet later this month – will allow Gateshead Council to begin infrastructure and enabling works on the site. The work will create a stand-alone platform for a new arena, delivery of Gateshead Quays public realm – including a new performance square next to The Glasshouse International Centre for Music – and a green linear park connecting the riverside to Baltic Quarter.

Gateshead Quays is the first major scheme within the Newcastle-Gateshead Mayoral Development Zone (MDZ). Established last year by Mayor Kim, the new MDZ aims to quicken developments within the zone to benefit local people and places.

Leader of Gateshead Council Cllr Martin Gannon, said: “Gateshead people are at the heart of everything we’re building for the future. The huge cash boost for Gateshead Quays is not just about preparing a site – it’s about laying the foundations for a world-class arena that will put Gateshead on the map and spark new energy, confidence and opportunity across our region.

“Residents have waited a long time to see momentum, and this funding means that works will turn ambition into visible, tangible progress.

“Gateshead deserves cultural spaces that inspire, places that bring people together and investment that creates jobs and opportunities for our people. This project is a major part of delivering that future, and it reflects the ambition, pride and potential of Gateshead.”

John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask Real Estate commented on behalf of Ask:PATRIZIA, Gateshead Council’s development partner: “We welcome the strong financial support of the Mayor, and are ready to start on this transformational development which has significant benefits for the local people of Gateshead and the wider North East region.”

The funding will also be used to identify an operator for the new arena after extensive research confirmed at least four major operators’ interest in the site.

A new major cultural venue at Gateshead Quays has long been a shared ambition for Gateshead and the wider region, and the project features prominently in the Mayor’s Manifesto, the Local Growth Plan, and the emerging North East Culture, Creative Industries and Sport Strategy.