Plans approved for multi million pound Gateshead arena project update

The latest plans have been approved for the new 12,500 capacity international grade Sage Arena and International Conference Centre (ICC), located in the heart of Gateshead on the banks of the River Tyne.

On Wednesday, July 12, Gateshead Council’s planning committee unanimously granted permission for revised plans for the ICC and Arena, as well as an urban park, which the Council claims will enhance biodiversity in the area and provide both pedestrian link and lift access from South Shore Road and the Millennium Bridge area up to Hawks Road, Gateshead College and the recently approved hotels.

Whilst the development most recently gained planning permission in March 2022, a revised planning application was submitted in March 2023 due to design and scheme changes.

The dual branded 344 bed hotel has been relocated to vacant land within Baltic Quarter, directly opposite The Sage development, and the land occupied by the hotels in the original design, will be opened up as an urban park.

The plan for the site predicts the Sage International Conference Centre will be opened in Autumn 2025 with the site’s hotel opening around the same time.

The Sage Arena is predicted to open in 2027. Construction is expected to begin this Autumn.

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Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: ‘‘Today marks another major milestone in the project and we’re looking forward to bringing the Sage Arena and ICC to Gateshead, attracting high-profile events and conferences to our region.

"The development will bring numerous opportunities and benefits to our residents, attracting visitors and creating jobs and bringing millions of pounds of investment to Gateshead and the North East.’’

Ian Thomas, Destination Director, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, added: “This is an excellent step forward. We welcome all progress on the Sage Arena and International Conference Centre. It will be such a transformational asset for our whole region.”

It is estimated that the Sage development will provide over 2000 jobs, and the companies running the buildings will primarily look to employ local people.

Funding will come from an investment of £350m including private sector investment while part of the £20m Gateshead Council secured £20m in funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund will also support the area.