£200 million arena, conference and exhibition centre boost for Gateshead

A new multi million pound state-of-the-art entertainment arena, and conference and exhibition centre is set for the North East as plans by Gateshead Council push forward.

It would see a 12,500 seat arena, and conference and exhibition facilities, come to Gateshead Quays, which would relocate the existing Metro Radio Arena from Newcastle.

The 10-acre site sits directly opposite the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and between the area’s most iconic buildings - Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

Plans include an entertainment arena, conference and exhibition centre, hotel, bars and restaurants, creating a vibrant new destination on the waterfront with easy access to the Quays, Gateshead Town Centre and the wider region.

The new facilities on Gateshead Quays which will be capable of holding major music and cultural events, as well as conferences and exhibitions, is anticipated to support over 1,140 jobs with well over half being newly created.

Attracting an extra 296,000 visitors to the region it's estimated to boost the regional economy by over £29.5 million annually in future years.