Gateshead Council has unveiled proposals to develop a £200m arts and leisure complex on Gateshead Quays by 2021.
The plans, which could create more than 500 jobs, include a 12,500-seat arena operated by SMG, and conference and exhibition facilities.
The 10-acre site, which sits directly opposite the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and between the area’s most iconic buildings, Sage Gateshead and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, is planned to include an entertainment arena, conference and exhibition centre, hotel, bars and restaurants.
The project would mean the relocation of the existing Metro Radio Arena owned and managed by SMG.
The new facilities are anticipated to attract an extra 296,000 visitors to the region with an estimated boost of over £29.5m annually to the regional economy in future years.
Newcastle Gateshead’s conference and events industry is a major contributor to the local visitor economy, which is currently worth £1.9bn.
