New images have been revealed showing the range of green and public open spaces which will be created on the Newcastle:Gateshead waterfront, as part of Gateshead Council’s arena-led regeneration scheme, Newcastle Gateshead Quays. The 80,000 sq ft scheme includes a 12,500 seat arena, a conference and exhibition centre, two hotels, bars, restaurants and car parking all linked by over 12,500 sq m of new public realm.
Designed with biodiversity and sustainability at their core, the use of planting to link spaces and create a campus around which people can easily walk from venue to venue or spend time simply relaxing and enjoying the view. 144 trees will also be planted to create green spaces for wildlife to flourish and to give a range of seasonal colour and green roofs will be included on a number of the buildings.
The landscaping plans also include elevated areas with panoramic views across the River Tyne and there will be 40 new seating areas and cycle provision across the site and electric vehicle charging points within the Council’s multi-story car park.
A core feature of the design is navigation and accessibility for everyone, the new areas include paved walkways along the river, 24 hour accessible lifts and escalators, sign posting and outdoor event spaces which will host community activities and promotional performances.
Designed by landscape architects Planit-IE the public realm forms a key part of the arena-led scheme which is being delivered by the Council’s development partner Ask:PATRIZIA. The proposals are currently awaiting planning approval after a period of public consultation.
Flanked by the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and Sage Gateshead, the site will form a hub of world-class entertainment venues creating a new cultural and social destination for the area. The delivery of the £260m scheme, which is designed by award-winning global architects HOK and AHR Architects, will see the creation of around 1,000 new jobs in the hospitality and leisure sector across the region and a further 1000 in the construction sector. It is anticipated that it will give a £60m boost to the local economy drawing in a total of 770,000 visitors to the region each year.
Commenting on the designs Ed Lister, managing director, Planit-IE said: “Newcastle:Gateshead Quays is one of the UK’s most iconic waterfront locations alongside Liverpool and London. We have worked closely with Gateshead Council, key stakeholders and the delivery teams to design public spaces which we hope will provide a memorable addition to this exceptional location.
“It was important for us to listen carefully to the people who already live, work, study and visit the area and that has helped to focus our thinking and influence the design which we hope will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
John Hughes, on behalf of Ask:PATRIZIA added: “We have assembled an excellent professional team to help us deliver this development which is of cultural and economic significance for the regional centre. By creating spaces which are comfortable and inviting, Planit-IE’s designs will encourage people to visit and enjoy this new landscaped part of the city.”
