Gateshead has won £20m from the Government to get the building of a “world class” arena on the Quayside back on track.
Council chiefs are rejoicing as ministers confirmed that they will be putting a multi-million pound investment into the building of the new Sage arena, conference centre, and hospitality complex. There have been worries that the massive development, which will act as a replacement for the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, could be scuppered by spiralling costs hitting the construction industry – with the escalating price of steel being a major worry.
But it was announced on Wednesday night that Gateshead Council’s £20m bid to the delayed second round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund (LUF) has been successful. The North East has also secured £19.5m for a fleet of electric buses and charging facilities, while Northumberland County Council has been given almost £15m to build new cycling and pedestrian infrastructure.
