Gateshead Regeneration Plan

The Gateshead offer

For investors, developers and occupiers, we know environmental and social responsibility are as important as returns on investment, and here it is easy to show how our people, our community and our environment are directly benefiting from growth - the social value. 

There is a compelling case to come to Gateshead, providing the necessary credentials for stakeholders and shareholders, through a combination of unique location advantages, existing infrastructure, and corporate policies and regulatory frameworks that instil confidence and clarity of outcome delivery. These "building blocks" for inward investment are set out below. 

From renewable energy to smart urban design, Gateshead's transformation will set new standards for innovation, resilience, and sustainable economic growth. 

Our emerging Sustainable Development Framework is built to meet and exceed global ESG standards, making Gateshead a prime destination for forward-thinking investors. The framework is designed to align seamlessly with international sustainability criteria, ensuring investment security and long-term growth. With a powerful, data-driven approach, our goal is to shape a region that is greener, smarter, and more prosperous, attracting investment nationally and internationally, leading to the creation of thriving communities built to last. 

"Building blocks" for inward investment 

1 - Purpose built for ESG alignment 

Strategically designed to meet and exceed international ESG criteria. 

2 - A magnet for major projects  

Attracting significant investments though data-driven insights and resilient infrastructure. 

3 - Meeting the highest global benchmarks 

Full alignment with leading international standards such as C40 Cities and the UN SDGs. 

"There's a real sense of collaboration here. Gateshead is a place where ideas can take off, and we'll support you in making them happen." 

The Gateshead ambition

We have bold plans to tackle inequality through transforming our town centre and other areas. A once in a lifetime opportunity to create the place people will want to live in in the future so they don't move away and we attract homes and jobs and build the place for the future. 

Our corporate plan aims to make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives. It aims to address inequality whilst championing fairness and social justice. Investment in Gateshead, and by the Council, will focus on those goals. We want Gateshead to have an aspirational outlook and remain ambitious for the people of Gateshead, reflecting the needs of local people and building for our future generations. 

Although we know the challenges, the council is committed to kick starting economic growth and by bringing public, private and voluntary sector together. The Gateshead Strategic Partnership will drive forward borough wide priorities and ensure our residents can access a good job, a decent home and live healthy and fulfilled lives in thriving communities. 

"If you put people at the heart of everything you do, your economy improves because people are living better lives." 

Gateshead energy

The Gateshead Energy Network is at the cutting edge of renewable energy production and connection. Over £50m has already been invested in the heat/power generation plant, 6km of network, the UK's largest mine water heat pump in operation and urban solar. It's already providing 8 MW of heat to customers, with a current capacity for 25 MW. Funding has been secured for the next 1.5km extension to cover every site in the town centre, to be completed by 2027. 

The 10-year growth plan has the ambition to expand to provide over 80 MW to customers, comprising of 17,200 dwellings (almost 20% of Gateshead homes) and over 60% of Council buildings, plus major hospital/public / commercial loads. This will mean increasing the network length to 35km of pipe. 

To achieve our Net Zero target, diversification is vital, and tests have started to determine whether geothermal heat and power can be generated from drilling down 6km in several promising locations around the borough. 

"With a declared climate emergency and a Net Zero by 2030 goal, we've prioritised sustainable infrastructure, including a district energy network." 

Gateshead partnerships

Gateshead Council is great to do business with. The door is open to investors of all sizes and sectors. 

With an economy worth over £14.8 billion (GVA), a population of 200,000 and a regional workforce of 1.5 million it's easy to see how Gateshead is one of the most accessible and most cost-effective regions in the UK, with very competitive wages and lower than average operating costs, ensuring value for money and a high return on investment. 

The Council is a mature, pro-growth organisation that has a track record of successful partnerships with the private sector, using its land and assets to enable delivery. The housebuilding joint venture with Vistry and Home Group has been delivering homes for over a decade. The development agreement with Ask / Patrizia for the Quays has weathered unprecedented macro-economic factors. And use of the Pagabo and Scape frameworks has streamlined procurement and sped up delivery.  

Working with Invest Newcastle, the Council's experienced Business Team welcomes inward investment and can provide guidance and support to recruit a local workforce; give access to skills and training solutions; provide local knowledge, research and statistics; introduce to local supply chains and relevant networks; and offer advice on local, regional and national funding schemes. 

Connected Gateshead

Gateshead benefits from fantastic road links throughout the area and beyond, with a further £40m of upgrades planned over the next few years. It has excellent access to the strategic road network, the A19 and A1(M).  

Tyne and Wear Metro runs across the east of the borough, with mainline trains covering the west. Both link directly to Newcastle and the East Coast main rail line. Whether by car or train, Newcastle International Airport is only 20minutes way - which offers up to 15 scheduled flights to London each day, as well as many other European and global destinations.  

The bus interchange is scheduled for redevelopment in 2027, which will transform the customer experience for the 5million annual users. 

Gateshead talent

The four local universities of Newcastle, Northumbria, Sunderland and Durham provide world-class higher education to around 85,000 students. Once graduated, around two-thirds stay in the area, giving companies access to fresh talent, year after year. We are also home to the outstanding Gateshead College, located in the town centre, and high performing schools.