The North East mayor has confirmed a huge cash injection for two stalled projects.
Both flagship developments look set to be heavily scaled back
Plans to develop two major cultural projects in the North East are receiving a substantial financial boost, with £104 million earmarked to support stalled developments in Gateshead and Sunderland.
The North East mayor is providing the funding to facilitate the construction of a new arena at Gateshead Quayside and film and TV studios at the Crown Works site in Sunderland.
Gateshead's planned arena is set to receive £24 million, kickstarting infrastructure development on vacant land and aiming to attract an investor-operator for a 12,500-15,000-seat venue.
Initially intended to replace Newcastle’s Utilita Arena, the project faced challenges leading to scaled-back plans, dropping the proposed international grade conference centre.
According to the North East Combined Authority, the investment creates a stand-alone platform for the arena, with added features like an open-air performance square and an urban park connecting to the Baltic Quarter.
Funded Projects in Sunderland
Meanwhile, the Crown Works studio development in Sunderland will benefit from a £38.5 million investment.
Construction is expected to begin this summer and complete by 2027.
Originally imagined as a £450 million complex, the scheme has been limited to two studios following financier withdrawal.
A phase one funded by this investment includes refurbishing the Doxford Printworks and developing a new build for potential live TV show productions.
Innovative Cultural Framework
Beyond just these projects, the announcement includes a £42 million North East Culture, Creative Industries, and Sport framework.
This effort aims to enhance grassroots talent, improve small venues, and promote regional participation through diverse festivals, events, and sporting programs.
The North East Combined Authority has indicated that council leaders are expected to sign off this investment package at a meeting scheduled for 17th March.
Kim McGuinness, the North East mayor, is optimistic about the developments.
“We’re one step closer to bringing the biggest bands to the North East," she said.
"Our region is hugely proud of our home-grown talent... our funding will get the site ready for development, enabling works to start soon.”
Gateshead’s Labour council leader, Martin Gannon, emphasized the potential impact saying, “Residents have waited a long time to see momentum, and this funding means that works will turn ambition into visible, tangible progress.”
The investment strives to overcome past setbacks blamed on global events and economic challenges, and looks to fortify the cultural landscape of the North East for the future.