Ambitious regeneration plan to transform borough
An ambitious plan to transform Gateshead's town centres, communities and riverside has been unveiled.
The proposals will see the most dramatic changes to Gateshead's landscape in decades with the potential to create thousands of new homes, jobs, public spaces and vibrant businesses.
The scale of opportunity across the borough is significant. In the urban core alone, the council owns land equivalent to the size of 56 football pitches, ready for development.
The council are working closely with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority to maximise the opportunities to drive forward regeneration.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"This is a landmark moment for Gateshead. Our Regeneration Plan sets out a bold vision to create new homes, jobs and public spaces that will benefit our communities for generations. By investing in our town centre, riverside and neighbourhoods, and working closely with our residents and partners, we are establishing Gateshead thriving - a borough that is vibrant, connected and full of opportunity for everyone."
Approved by the council's ruling Cabinet at its meeting on 23 September, the Regeneration Plan sets out a bold vision for three key areas across Gateshead, in line with the NECA Strategic Place Partnership Plan:
- Town Centre - revitalising the heart of the borough as part of the Mayoral Development Zone, creating vibrant spaces for business, leisure and culture
- Riverside - transforming areas including MetroGreen and other brownfield sites into thriving destinations for homes, work and recreation
- Neighbourhoods and local centres - enhancing streets, community spaces and housing to create stronger, more connected communities
Delivering this vision will require substantial public sector investment. The plan will act as a living document, engaging residents in future projects, guiding partnership working and forming the basis of an investment prospectus to attract further funding from government and private partners. Gateshead Council has emphasised its commitment to working closely with residents to ensure local communities help shape the future of regeneration in their areas.
As part of a wider regional strategy, Gateshead Council will work alongside Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to regenerate the shared urban core on both sides of the Tyne, ensuring investment delivers maximum benefits for both communities. This work sits within the new Mayoral Development Zone - described as "the boldest and most ambitious mayoral development initiative in the country" - which was discussed today at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the NECA Cabinet, who gave the go-ahead for the strategic project in partnership with local authorities.
To accelerate delivery, the council has also approved the creation of a Gateshead Regeneration Programme Partnership, formalising collaboration with NECA, Homes England, and other government bodies. This partnership will ensure major regeneration projects are delivered at scale and at pace.
A skilled workforce will be central to making this transformation a reality. Gateshead Council is strengthening links with Gateshead College, already recognised as a centre of excellence for construction training through programmes like PlanBEE. The council is also working closely with universities, colleges, and local employers to support skills development and innovation.
By preparing local people for jobs in construction, digital, and green industries, the borough will ensure residents benefit from new opportunities while building the workforce needed to deliver regeneration at pace.
The council will now begin implementing the plan, with projects set to roll out across the town centre, riverside, and neighbourhoods over the coming years, creating a stronger, more thriving Gateshead for everyone.
An ambitious plan to transform Gateshead's town centres, communities and riverside has been unveiled.
The proposals will see the most dramatic changes to Gateshead's landscape in decades with the potential to create thousands of new homes, jobs, public spaces and vibrant businesses.
The scale of opportunity across the borough is significant. In the urban core alone, the council owns land equivalent to the size of 56 football pitches, ready for development.
The council are working closely with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority to maximise the opportunities to drive forward regeneration.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"This is a landmark moment for Gateshead. Our Regeneration Plan sets out a bold vision to create new homes, jobs and public spaces that will benefit our communities for generations. By investing in our town centre, riverside and neighbourhoods, and working closely with our residents and partners, we are establishing Gateshead thriving - a borough that is vibrant, connected and full of opportunity for everyone."
Approved by the council's ruling Cabinet at its meeting on 23 September, the Regeneration Plan sets out a bold vision for three key areas across Gateshead, in line with the NECA Strategic Place Partnership Plan:
- Town Centre - revitalising the heart of the borough as part of the Mayoral Development Zone, creating vibrant spaces for business, leisure and culture
- Riverside - transforming areas including MetroGreen and other brownfield sites into thriving destinations for homes, work and recreation
- Neighbourhoods and local centres - enhancing streets, community spaces and housing to create stronger, more connected communities
Delivering this vision will require substantial public sector investment. The plan will act as a living document, engaging residents in future projects, guiding partnership working and forming the basis of an investment prospectus to attract further funding from government and private partners. Gateshead Council has emphasised its commitment to working closely with residents to ensure local communities help shape the future of regeneration in their areas.
As part of a wider regional strategy, Gateshead Council will work alongside Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to regenerate the shared urban core on both sides of the Tyne, ensuring investment delivers maximum benefits for both communities. This work sits within the new Mayoral Development Zone - described as "the boldest and most ambitious mayoral development initiative in the country" - which was discussed today at the Discovery Museum in Newcastle by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness and the NECA Cabinet, who gave the go-ahead for the strategic project in partnership with local authorities.
To accelerate delivery, the council has also approved the creation of a Gateshead Regeneration Programme Partnership, formalising collaboration with NECA, Homes England, and other government bodies. This partnership will ensure major regeneration projects are delivered at scale and at pace.
A skilled workforce will be central to making this transformation a reality. Gateshead Council is strengthening links with Gateshead College, already recognised as a centre of excellence for construction training through programmes like PlanBEE. The council is also working closely with universities, colleges, and local employers to support skills development and innovation.
By preparing local people for jobs in construction, digital, and green industries, the borough will ensure residents benefit from new opportunities while building the workforce needed to deliver regeneration at pace.
The council will now begin implementing the plan, with projects set to roll out across the town centre, riverside, and neighbourhoods over the coming years, creating a stronger, more thriving Gateshead for everyone.
