Gateshead Quayside in line for £80m conference centre

Nov 3 2009 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

“It is important in times of economic difficulty as in times of growth to be positive and this has always been a strength of NewcastleGateshead as a destination. The development of an international conference and exhibition centre would help deliver substantial and sustainable results for the long-term success of the region.”

Gateshead Council leader Mick Henry said: “This kind of development would certainly fit in with our ambitions to be a city and would be another exciting new use on Gateshead Quays that would benefit the whole region.

“It is the kind of development we would like to attract as part of the new economic masterplan for Gateshead & Newcastle and would bring a welcome boost to the area’s economy.”

Newcastle Labour leader Nick Forbes said: “This proves how much better Gateshead is than Newcastle at planning major regeneration projects.

“It will be a huge missed opportunity for Newcastle to have a prestigious international conference centre across the water. Good on Gateshead for getting their act together and shame on Newcastle for dithering around.

“It’s disappointing for Newcastle that it’s lost out again. This will bring jobs and economic benefits for the region and will help put the North East on the map.”

But Newcastle’s deputy council leader David Faulkner said: “True to form, Coun Forbes indulges in party political point-scoring rather than working for the best interests of our area. If a conference centre makes best economic and physical sense on the Gateshead side of the river then so be it. We need the best possible case to give us the strongest chance of funding. In reality the economic benefit from conferences will flow strongly to the local hotels and restaurants, most of which are in Newcastle.

“Newcastle has two universities, a cathedral, a football stadium, top hotels, several great theatres and galleries and the country’s best new library, together with commercial redevelopment plans for over a third of the city centre area, from Science City to the Stephenson Quarter and East Pilgrim Street. We don’t need to hog everything.”