Work commences on “transformational” £300m Tyneside scheme

Work has begun on the £300m NewcastleGateshead Quays regeneration development, which is expected to create 2,000 jobs and will include an arena and conference centre. Alongside the 12,500 capacity arena, the development will also create restaurants, a Novotel and Ibis Red hotel and large areas of outdoor realm and performance space.It is anticipated that the site, which is due to complete in 2024, will attract more than one million additional visitors to the city each year.The developer Ask:PATRIZIA instructed contractor BAM construction to work on the initial preparation works to the site between the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, the Sage Gateshead and Gateshead College on Hawks Road.Gateshead Council has led on the development of the site which involves £300m of regeneration investment.The enabling works is a step forward for developing the scheme which is expected to provide a £70m annual boost to the local economy.BAM is working with a number of partners, suppliers and sub-contractors to begin the work and minimise disruption to roads and footpaths around the development site.Full construction will begin next year under a separate contract.The development will connect directly to Gateshead’s district energy network, including cycle provision across the site and capacity for electric vehicle charging points. BAM and Ask:PATRIZIA are examining a range of sustainability enhancements and a plan for significant social value measures.