A COMPUTER generated artist’s impression has shown how one of the region’s biggest developments will look when it is complete.

The £260m project on Gateshead Quays will include a 12,500-capacity arena, two hotels with 290 bedrooms, bars, restaurants, and other public spaces.

There will also be an international conference and exhibition centre capable of hosting up to 5,000 delegates.

The development, between The Sage Gateshead and the Baltic art gallery, is due to open in winter 2023.

Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “The Quays development confirms the region’s reputation for world-class events. The new images show just how unique and special the waterfront site is. An events setting like no other in the UK.”

Kerrin MacPhie, head of business events at VisitBritain, said: “This development is great for the business events industry in the UK and shows confidence within the market. The new centre will provide event planners with an exciting option in an already well-established destination.”

A full planning application has been submitted for the 80,000 sq ft development, with a decision expected in autumn.

If agreed at planning, Gateshead Quays will create approximately 2,000 jobs and inject a much needed £60m into the regional economy each year, as well as attracting an extra 300,000 visitors to the region.

As well as the direct impact, the development will support local businesses throughout the region from hospitality operators to those in the events industry.

Catherine Coulter, director of Newcastle-based event agency BeaconHouse Events, said: “We deliver over 100 events annually, with 85 per cent of those in Newcastle and the surrounding area, and we relish the chance to show off our region to international visitors bringing their events to North-East England.

“New venue space is an exciting new asset that helps us attract business to the region, opening opportunities for us and our clients to create events that didn’t previously have a place here.

“Enticing new work to the quayside always brings the question, will our attendees be able to see the bridges?

“Having this impressive set up directly overlooking the Tyne and the iconic views is a fantastic attraction.

“In light of recent restrictions to mass gatherings; large, flexible event space that can handle alternate delivery considerations for ever-changing guidance on social distancing is essential.

“As much as we enjoy a challenge and responding to the new needs of our clients, developments like this on the horizon give us, our sector and the region something to look forward to for a brighter future for the events and hospitality industry in Newcastle and Gateshead.”

Paul Szomoru, director of Business Events at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, added: “It’s fantastic to see these new details on what the International Conference and Exhibition Centre on Gateshead Quays will offer.

“To have 6,300 sqm of pillar free, flat floor space, along with other substantial spaces, with stunning views of the quayside is going to help us create iconic events.

“I am particularly excited by the outdoor events space, which I think in the current climate of social distancing will allow organisers to be very creative and original in their approach to networking, social events and even presentations.

“With it being set to open at the end of 2023, this is a bold confidence boost for Gateshead, Newcastle and North East England as we work towards economic recovery in a post-covid world.

“There’s no doubt that this is an impressive, world class investment, which will enable us to attract bigger national and international events in sectors that are strategically important for the region.

“Bringing such large-scale events allows us to showcase all North-East England has to offer and gives us an opportunity to turn delegates into future leisure visitors, residents and investors.”