A £260m arena complex being built on the Gateshead Quayside has won the backing of councillors.
Initial work is already under way to create a huge new riverside arena, conference centre, and hotel development nestled between the Baltic, the Sage Gateshead and Gateshead College.
But the “world class” project, being developed by Ask Real Estate and Patrizia UK in partnership with Gateshead Council, will now have a slightly different look to what was originally approved in 2020.
The most notable aspect of its redrawing, which was unanimously approved by the local authority’s planning committee, is a significant change to the controversial hotel element.
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Residents of the neighbouring Baltic Quay flats branded the hotel “monstrously overbearing” and “bland” when opposing the scheme 18 months ago, with more than 150 objections lodged against the plans then.
A council report states that, despite the extra impact on its neighbours, the hotel’s reconfiguration is “an improvement from a townscape perspective”.
The mixed-use entertainment district will include hotels, bars, restaurants and retail, creating a "distinctive destination" on the banks of the River Tyne. The development will be operated by ASM Global.
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John Rhodes, director of Sports and entertainment at the firm of architects JOK, said: “The Sage offers a flexible and responsive design solution for Gateshead that will allow the region to attract high-profile events and conferences while infusing the area, which already boasts rich cultural buildings and spaces, with another gathering space and entertainment destination.
“We’re thrilled to see the project progress through planning and look forward to the catalytic growth that will result from this investment in the city.”
The 12,500-seat arena will host music, cultural and sporting events, as well as conferences and exhibition. The highly flexible seating bowl design is comprised of fixed, retractable and removable seats, allowing the venue to transform to accommodate audiences as small as 1,500.
The approval comes as an arena and entertainment district in Cardiff, Wales, designed by the same architects, also received planning approval.
HOK’s Sports + Entertainment practice specialises in the design of arenas, stadiums, ballparks, training facilities and entertainment centres.
The group plans and designs "world-class facilities" that are centrepieces of successful, vibrant entertainment districts, communities and campuses.
Current and recent projects include Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi; Casal España Arena in Valencia, Spain; Mercedes-Benz Stadium and the State Farm Arena renovation in Atlanta; the renovation of Footprint Arena in Phoenix; a new Major League Soccer stadium in St. Louis; Rogers Place and the Ice District in Edmonton; Little Caesars Arena in Detroit; and the renovation of Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
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