New details have been revealed about the international conference and exhibition centre due to open in winter 2023 on Gateshead Quays.
New CGI videos and imagery give the clearest picture yet of the 5,000 capacity international conference and exhibition centre. The centre will include a 6,300 sqm pillar free exhibition hall, which has the capability to be divided into three smaller halls. Alongside this, there will be a 1,620 sqm conference hall, 990 sqm of meeting and events spaces with views of the quayside and its famous bridges, and a dedicated 1,350 sqm outdoor events space.
The £260m project on Gateshead Quays will also include a 12,500-capacity arena, two hotels with 290 bedrooms, bars, restaurants, and other public spaces.
[embed]https://vimeo.com/427812973[/embed]
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said: "The Quays development confirms the region's reputation for world-class events. Gateshead Quays will capitalise on a conferencing demand that the region has been unable to meet and showcase the North East's strengths to a global audience. 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: "The Gateshead Quays development will create a huge opportunity for NewcastleGateshead, increasing its global reach to attract large-scale events from all over the world. 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 within the business events industry and will have a positive impact on bringing more international associations and incentive groups to the area.”
A full planning application has been submitted for the 80,000 sq ft development, positioned between the BALTIC and Sage Gateshead, with a decision expected in autumn. If agreed at planning, Gateshead Quays will create approximately 2,000 jobs and inject £60m into the regional economy each year, as well as attracting an extra 300,000 visitors to North East England.
Those within the industry have welcomed the news. 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 NewcastleGateshead.”
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.”
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
