Gateshead Regeneration Plan

The regeneration plans for the Town Centre and Quays are based on five key assets - it is the southern half of Newcastle Gateshead Urban Core; 40ha of brownfield land is allocated for redevelopment; most sites and assets are owned by the Council; there is clarity on use and quantum via the Local Plan and Masterplans and Gateshead District Energy network can connect to all sites.  

Gateshead shares its quayside, river front and skyline with Newcastle. It is uniquely placed to complement Newcastle City Centre's job growth by providing accessible neighbourhoods, affordable homes and open spaces for future urban living. The future development of this combined area will be set out in a Strategic Regeneration Framework.  

In addition, the demolition of the Gateshead flyover in 2026 provides unprecedented opportunities for urban planning and design, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to create new places in an established urban centre.  

The strategy for the Town Centre and Quays is based on three principles:  

• increasing the number of people living in town - through residential-led redevelopment of council land and assets 

• increasing the number of people travelling to town - creating reasons for people to come:  

  • delivering the ICC and Arena, bringing an additional million visitors per year 

  • new commercial and office accommodation, on Baltic Quarter and town centre

• Improving accessibility and active travel options / reducing the dominance of car-based travel, particularly east-west. 

Outcomes 

• growing our population - 10,000 more residents  

• destination for digital companies and staff 

• a million extra visitors 

• more accessible, permeable urban core 

• a more robust retail offer 

Outputs 

• up to 4000 new homes  

• 300,000 sq. ft new office floorspace  

• 3,500 new jobs  

• District Energy Network expansion  

• new bus interchange 

• new train station 

Delivery will be achieved by scaling up the regeneration opportunities into four programmes of regeneration activity. Phasing will be considered within the joint Strategic Regeneration Framework:  

1. Old Town Hall and Railway Quarter

Changing the perception of the town, with residential-led redevelopment of Old Town Hall, further growth of Railway Quarter and investment in Interchange & Trinity Square,  

2. Gateshead Quays and Baltic Quarter

Mixed use, urban development building on proximity to city centre - leisure, commercial and residential  

3. Southern Gateway

Residential-led development, with a high proportion of affordable homes, stitching together sites which, until now, were separated by the Flyover  

4. Infrastructure, Energy and Movement

Creation of a more permeable town centre, prioritising active and sustainable travel to connect the three programme areas; plus expansion of the district energy network to all sites.  

In the short term, the focus will be on dealing with the reputation of the area, and engaging local people in deciding what the town centre of the future will be like. This will be delivered by:  

• the Town Centre Manager and ambassadors will improve stakeholder relations and manage perception/reputation, through community engagement and branding, and work with the Police to combat anti-social behaviour and fear of crime

• being the focal point for the Cultural Strategy with initial investment around the Quays, Railway Quarter, Riverside Park and through public art

Programme 1: 1.1 Old Town Hall and Railway Quarter 

Shifting the focus of town centre activities to the north, supporting the retail/leisure/services north of Jackson St and expanding into Railway Quarter's food and beverage offer; working with Capital & Centric to create a step change in urban residential offer at the gateway to the town centre. 

Programme 1: 1.2 Gateshead Interchange 

The Council is working with the region's transport body Nexus to on a Business Case for redevelopment of the Bus Interchange, improving the experience of travelling to and through the town centre. 

Programme 2: 2.1 Baltic Quarter 

Working with a master developer, utilising 11 hectares of council owned land next to the Quays, to create a new urban quarter, replicating the look and offer of the City Centre, with new offices and homes. The council has already built new infrastructure to support the development. 

Programme 2: 2.2 Gateshead Quays

The Sage will bring a global stage to the North East with a 12,500- capacity arena to host the world's top performers in music, comedy and entertainment and International-grade conference and event space. We are expecting over a million visitors a year, generating a £70m boost for the economy and creating 2,000 jobs. 

Programme 3: 3.1 Freight Village 

Changing the housing offer and changing the perception of living in the town centre, our partners are currently building the first new, family focused homes for over 40 years. And these homes are proving to be very popular, whether buying or renting. The 270 home site will complete in early 2028. 

Programme 3: 3.2 Southern Gateway 

The removal of the Gateshead Flyover in 2026 provides transformational place making opportunities.  

Formerly a collection of individual sites alongside a significant physical barrier, the post-demolition landscape allows for the creation of a new, walkable neighbourhood right in the heart of the urban core, with sufficient scale to provide homes of all types and tenures, and allowing residents to live a net zero life.  

The next stage is appointment of a master developer, and the creation of a new masterplan, with community involvement. 

Timescales and milestones 

Short term 

• building the first phase of new homes on Council land along the southern gateway

• delivery agreement signed with Capital & Centric  

• funding package agreed for delivery of International Conference Centre / Arena  

• support redevelopment of By The River Brew, and revitalisation of Railway Quarter 

• create Strategic Regeneration Framework, aligning with Newcastle City Centre (re-focus town centre to the north)  

• creating a thriving, buzzing, cool offer across the Bridges - Railway Quarter, Church Street, Old Town Hall 

Medium term 

• start on site for International Conference Centre / Arena  

• create a new, urban neighbourhood at Baltic Quarter, comprising office and residential development 

• support the private sector to build 600 homes on sites on the Quays 

• expand low-carbon Energy Network by 3.5km across the town centre 

• work with Nexus and Homes England to redevelop the Interchange sit 

Long term 

• New train station in central Gateshead