Lib Dems to use The Sage for spring conference

Dec 18 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal

The Liberal Democrats have announced they will hold their spring conference in the North East next year.

The convention, due to be staged at The Sage, Gateshead, in March, will mean all three of the main political parties have visited Newcastle and Gateshead for conferences in the last five years.

Up to 1,500 Lib Dem party members, their entourages and media representatives will descend on the banks of the Tyne for the event.

Conference analysts say more than £1m will be brought into local economy through the political plenary. The party have said the attraction to the destination lay in the “stimulating mix of contemporary cutting edge architecture and rich history and heritage”.

Accessibility and transport links have also been praised, by Nick Clegg.

The Liberal Democrat Leader said: “I am really pleased the Liberal Democrats will be visiting NewcastleGateshead for our Spring Conference in 2012.

“The world-class facilities of The Sage Gateshead, top-quality hotels and the famous friendliness of the local people are obvious attractions to coming to North East England.”

Both the Labour and Conservative Parties have held conferences in NewcastleGateshead in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

News the Lib Dems will come to the area comes as The Sage celebrates its birthday and reflects on a successful first five years.

The NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), charged with promoting Tyneside’s image across the world, say the booking confirmation has again proven the ‘twin cities’ reputation as a conference destination, and described The Sage Gateshead as the “jewel in the crown”.