One step closer to arena?
Reporter A NEW arena which will transform the face of the Quayside is set to move one step closer to becoming a reality.
The new 12,500-seat conference centre planned for the vacant site between the Sage and the Baltic will see the Metro Radio Arena re-locate to the Gateshead side of the river.
Expected to create 1,100 jobs and attract 300,000 visitors every year, the new development will become a major leisure hub, with a host of new bars and restaurants on site.
It has long been the ambition of Gateshead Council to bring another high quality cultural landmark to the Quayside and a deal with private partners was finally reached back in July.
On December 12, the North East Combined Authority will meet to commit £5m of local growth fund money to prepare the site so building work can begin.
Construction of the new conference