New look for Gateshead town centre unveiled

Oct 1 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

TESCO yesterday shrugged off the credit crunch and announced its plans to redevelop Gateshead town centre were almost complete.

The supermarket giant racked up a 10% rise in first-half profits despite the “powerful economic headwinds” facing the business.

And although the demolition of the infamous Get Carter car park was put back again this month, bosses said its final, detailed designs were being drawn up for Gateshead, ahead of a planning application.

Yesterday. for the first time, the company’s development arm Spenhill spoke of what “will” be in their plans. Previously the detail of the scheme has only included what “could” be involved.

The proposed town square will include a performance space and amphitheatre seating areas. The Trinity Square development will also include 40 shops, a new Tesco, cafes, bars and restaurants, student accommodation, offices and a hotel.

Newcastle architects 3DReid, who created The Gate in the city centre and the air traffic control tower at Newcastle Airport, have been appointed to finalise the more detailed elements of the proposals.

Tesco’s UK like-for-like sales rose 4%, excluding fuel, during the second quarter and underlying pre-tax profits for the six months to August 23 were £1.45bn, in line with market expectations.

Shares in Tesco rose more than 3% yesterday, despite wider falls for shares in the City of London.

Chief executive Sir Terry Leahy said: “Tesco is at its best in tough markets – responding to the changing needs of customers – and that’s why we have been able to make good progress this year, despite facing into powerful economic headwinds.”

Yesterday’s announcement said it was aiming to “provide a strong silhouette” on the Gateshead skyline and use “sculptural designs” to draw visitors into the town centre.

The news came as question marks continue to hang over regeneration schemes across the North East because of the current economic uncertainty.

But Tim Gray, director at 3DReid, said: “These exciting new elements will make the scheme one which Gateshead residents can be even prouder of.

“As Gateshead town centre is situated on the brow of a hill the town has a real opportunity to show off its new town centre and key features could certainly do this.”

Spenhill spokesman Michael Kissman said: “We are pleased that 3DReid are on board for this final leg of the pre-application process.

“We all want for the best possible scheme to be developed. We have incorporated residents’ comments where possible and have worked further on the details which is what will really give the new town centre its wow factor.”

Tesco is at its best in tough markets – responding to the changing needs of customers