£1.5 million investment to boost Gateshead communities
Gateshead is set to benefit from a major £1.5 million investment through the government's Pride in Place Impact Fund, designed to deliver immediate improvements to the places and spaces that matter most to local people. Over the next two years, this funding will be used to help transform neighbourhoods, revitalise high streets and create vibrant community spaces across the borough.
This significant boost will fund projects that make a visible difference - upgrading facilities, enhancing public spaces and breathing new life into town centres. By focusing on areas that residents value most, the investment aims to strengthen local pride, improve quality of life and support economic growth.
Examples of projects already identified include investment in Saltwell Park to mark its 150-year anniversary, with improvements to play areas and public spaces that will enhance the park's appeal for generations to come. In addition, a Capital Community Chest will be launched to support local community projects across the borough, giving residents the opportunity to shape and deliver initiatives that matter most to their neighbourhoods. The fund will also enable improved public art and making temporary improvements in areas like Gateshead Quays and the town centre ahead of major regeneration being completed.
Councillor Leigh Kirton, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, said: "This investment is great news for Gateshead people. By improving our high streets, public spaces, and community facilities, we're not just investing in bricks and mortar - we're investing in pride, opportunity and the future of Gateshead."
The fund will focus on three key priorities that will make a lasting difference across Gateshead. Investment will be directed towards refurbishing valued buildings and creating welcoming places where people can connect, access support and take part in shared activities. These improvements will help strengthen community ties and ensure that local facilities remain at the heart of neighbourhood life.
Enhancing parks, play areas, and leisure facilities is another major focus. By improving green spaces and adding thoughtful design features, the fund aims to make neighbourhoods safer, greener, and more inclusive. These changes will encourage outdoor activity, boost wellbeing, and create spaces that everyone can enjoy.
Upgrades to streets, shopfronts, and public areas will help attract visitors, support local businesses, and create opportunities for cultural and social events. By revitalising high streets and town centres, the fund will increase footfall, foster economic growth and bring a renewed sense of pride to Gateshead's communities.
This investment supports the council's Thrive pledges and aligns with key strategies, including the Regeneration Plan, Environment Plan and Economic Development Strategy. It will help create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen local partnerships.
Areas selected for investment have been informed by consultation with and feedback from local stakeholders.
Gateshead is set to benefit from a major £1.5 million investment through the government's Pride in Place Impact Fund, designed to deliver immediate improvements to the places and spaces that matter most to local people. Over the next two years, this funding will be used to help transform neighbourhoods, revitalise high streets and create vibrant community spaces across the borough.
This significant boost will fund projects that make a visible difference - upgrading facilities, enhancing public spaces and breathing new life into town centres. By focusing on areas that residents value most, the investment aims to strengthen local pride, improve quality of life and support economic growth.
Examples of projects already identified include investment in Saltwell Park to mark its 150-year anniversary, with improvements to play areas and public spaces that will enhance the park's appeal for generations to come. In addition, a Capital Community Chest will be launched to support local community projects across the borough, giving residents the opportunity to shape and deliver initiatives that matter most to their neighbourhoods. The fund will also enable improved public art and making temporary improvements in areas like Gateshead Quays and the town centre ahead of major regeneration being completed.
Councillor Leigh Kirton, Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, said: "This investment is great news for Gateshead people. By improving our high streets, public spaces, and community facilities, we're not just investing in bricks and mortar - we're investing in pride, opportunity and the future of Gateshead."
The fund will focus on three key priorities that will make a lasting difference across Gateshead. Investment will be directed towards refurbishing valued buildings and creating welcoming places where people can connect, access support and take part in shared activities. These improvements will help strengthen community ties and ensure that local facilities remain at the heart of neighbourhood life.
Enhancing parks, play areas, and leisure facilities is another major focus. By improving green spaces and adding thoughtful design features, the fund aims to make neighbourhoods safer, greener, and more inclusive. These changes will encourage outdoor activity, boost wellbeing, and create spaces that everyone can enjoy.
Upgrades to streets, shopfronts, and public areas will help attract visitors, support local businesses, and create opportunities for cultural and social events. By revitalising high streets and town centres, the fund will increase footfall, foster economic growth and bring a renewed sense of pride to Gateshead's communities.
This investment supports the council's Thrive pledges and aligns with key strategies, including the Regeneration Plan, Environment Plan and Economic Development Strategy. It will help create jobs, foster innovation, and strengthen local partnerships.
Areas selected for investment have been informed by consultation with and feedback from local stakeholders.
