Artist’s impression of Gateshead Quays
Sir Robert McAlpine has won the contract to build the £260m Gateshead Quays conference and exhibition centre.
The scheme, overseen by Gateshead Council’s development partner Ask:Patrizia, will involve the construction of a 12,500 capacity arena, 6,300m2 of conference and exhibition space, two hotels, bars, restaurants, car parking and public areas.
A full planning application for the waterfront project will be submitted next year and completion is expected in 2023.
Mark Gibson, managing director for the Scotland and Northern region at Sir Robert McAlpine, said: “We’re excited to be working on this world class conference and events development on the River Tyne, in a region with a global reputation for its cultural and leisure offer. We bring a wealth of experience and have a highly skilled, senior team to deliver this fantastic project using the local workforce and subcontractors wherever possible. We are looking forward to making a start as soon as the planning process is completed.”
Chief executive of Gateshead Council, Sheena Ramsey, said: “The appointment of Sir Robert McAlpine brings us a huge step closer to delivering this world class events destination for the region and we’re glad to have them on board. This development will act as a catalyst for renewed economic growth, maximising local employment, training and supply chain opportunities. This is about being ambitious for Gateshead, we need everyone in the borough to be able to fulfil their true potential and projects like this create the conditions for them to thrive.”
Speaking on behalf of Ask:Patrizia, John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate, said: “Sir Robert McAlpine has a reputation for technical excellence and delivering complex developments safely, on time and within budget. We are looking forward to working with them to see this superb facility materialise.”
