Gateshead Council has concluded its search for a world-class developer for its GQ2 site next to The Sage Gateshead.
After considering formal proposals from four short-listed developers, Gateshead Council's Cabinet members finally chose Kier Property to develop the 5.5 acre Gateshead Quays Phase 2 site next to The Sage Gateshead.
Cabinet members made their decision after long and careful consideration at their meeting on 14 October 2006.
Kier Property's proposals include:
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24,465 square feet ( 2,273 sq m) of restaurants, cafes and bars;
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an 8 or 10 screen cinema;
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55,000 square feet ( 5,109 sq m ) of retail premises;
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a major hotel;
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a 200 space public car park;
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a mix of 324 homes and apartments.
Councillors felt that the Kier proposals were the most successful in accommodating the level changes across the site, by providing a meandering elevated pedestrian street through the development rather than excessive use of steps.
It was also felt that the proposal provided a good mix of uses across the site, creating what would be a very attractive streetscene with popular public spaces.
The development will provide a tangible link between BALTIC, The Sage Gateshead and the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and will build on the emerging cultural character of the area, creating a busy urban quarter with a family-friendly atmosphere where people will feel safe and comfortable, whether they are visiting, working or living there.
The development will complement, rather than compete with, the existing attractions on Newcastle Quayside, as well as adding to the offer for potential occupiers of the nearby Baltic Business Quarter and students attending the new Gateshead College.
Illustration of the GQ2 site seen from Gateshead Millennium Bridge
Leader of Gateshead Council, Councillor Mick Henry, says: "This was never going to be an easy decision to make, as all four of the proposals before us were of an extremely high standard. However, after considerable debate we felt that Kier Property's proposals come closest to our own vision for this area.
"Our desire has been to create a significant public space within Gateshead Quays, perhaps incorporating a network of small streets and courtyards with family friendly bars, restaurants, street cafes and specialist shops. Kier Property's proposal meets that vision, it's bold and imaginative and, crucially, it appears to be commercially deliverable.
"We are now looking forward to working closely Kier Property on the fine detail of the development."
Kier Property's managing director Dick Simkin said: "The Kier team is delighted and proud to be chosen to take this exciting scheme forward.
"We look forward to working in close partnership with Gateshead Council and to demonstrating how well the Kier approach to project delivery adds value for our clients."
Gateshead Council launched a nationwide search in January this year for a world-class developer who could create a mixed-use development on the GQ2 site. Its search resulted in nine companies registering firm expressions of interest. Four of these were then shortlisted to present more detailed proposals for the site.
Councillors and officers from Gateshead Council have spent much of the summer considering each of these proposals in depth before reaching a final decision today.
Over the coming months Kier Propertywill be working closely with Gateshead Council planners to refine the details of the development prior to submitting a planning application in 2007.
It is expected that work will commence on site by early 2008.
The GQ2 Site
With the completion of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge, Baltic Square, The Sage Gateshead and BALTIC, only one major development site remains at the heart of Gateshead Quays.
The development site of approximately 5.5 acres sits between The Sage Gateshead and the Baltic Quays housing development and is currently a temporary car park - but beneath the tarmac is a site recognised as one of the most important and desirable pieces of development land in the north east, surrounded by buildings that have attracted no fewer than 37 national and international building and design awards.