Cabinet members have endorsed an ambitious long-term regeneration programme designed to make Gateshead ‘New, Green and Creative.’

The Gateshead Centre Regeneration Delivery Strategy will now be used as the blueprint for successfully redeveloping the urban core of the town over the next 15-20 years.

This new vision for Gateshead is a result of extensive study during the past 12 months and has involved public consultation and the work of architects, designers, transport experts, property advisors and economists.

The strategy is full of exciting ideas for the future including a creative quarter where specialist businesses could mix with artists in a conservation area, a revitalised retail core and a new ‘continental style’ residential neighbourhood with homes for families.

It also suggests the creation of a new city park and a tree-lined city boulevard to replace the existing Gateshead Highway.

In addition, the move will help the council move towards one of the long term aims of making Gateshead a City.

The report makes four key recommendations to help drive regeneration:

· Developing retail that complements existing centres by focusing on independent and creative businesses.
· Providing a more diverse range of housing to get more people living in the centre of town.
· Create attractive spaces where people can spend time, have fun and enjoy themselves.
· Make a ‘green’ centre with the planting of trees, wildlife habitats and water features.

Cllr Mick Henry, the leader of Gateshead Council said: “These exciting plans have the potential to transform the shape, look and experience of Gateshead Centre. This is the roadmap for the next 20 years and our ambitious plans have the power to create a new, green and creative Gateshead centre that people will be proud of.

“Gateshead Council has already delivered so many successful, big projects across the borough and this strategy marks the start of another new phase of development - this time in the centre of town.

“Although this is looking at the very long-term picture, projects like the Angel of the North and the Sage Gateshead started out as visionary but were delivered by this council and have now become a central part of the North East landscape.

“This programme will help deliver a town centre that is fit for a city, one of the central big ideas of our long term strategy.”

Ed Rowley, Acting Director of Regeneration at One North East, said: “This report looks at what improvements are needed to make Gateshead Town Centre fit for the 21st Century and to tie it in better to key areas around the town centre, especially the Gateshead Quays area.

“The plans highlighted are ambitious and exciting which we feel they have to be if we're to ensure Gateshead becomes a more attractive proposition for potential investors and visitors.”

The report was produced by professionals at International firm BDP and was commissioned by Gateshead Council and One North East.