PLANS are under way to establish an association to represent the interests of businesses, residents and other interested parties involved in Newcastle Quayside.

Spearheading the plan is Silverlink Property Developments, which was recently named as developer for the £35m Newcastle Quayside project on a site behind the law courts, to be called Trinity Gardens.

More than 2,000 jobs are expected to be created as a result of the development.

David Clouston, managing director of Silverlink Developments, said: "Trinity Gardens will be an exciting mixed development which will become a valuable amenity for the people who live and work on the Quayside.

"During the planning and construction period we will liase closely with local people and interested parties.

"A Quayside Association will help pull people together and provide an excellent opportunity for interested parties to influence the project and tackle the other issues affecting the wider area.

"We want Trinity Gardens to be a good working and living environment."

Silverlink's scheme comprises a five-storey office block with ground floor retail space, a business innovation centre, 45 one and two-bedroom apartments and a multi-storey car park.

Silverlink also intends to cultivate the area for live theatres and concerts. The development will also incorporate a sculpture park and a link to the Millennium Bridge.