Town regeneration and homes plan approved

Gateshead Council chiefs approved a regeneration plan

A town regeneration plan to create thousands of new homes, jobs and to revamp existing centres has been approved.

The Gateshead Regeneration Plan will see the most dramatic changes to the town's landscape in decades, the council said.

The plan focuses on the town centre, land around the Metrocentre and the now-defunct flyover, the Quays, the Old Town Hall, the Railway Quarter, and the Interchange.

The Labour-run council said it would need significant public sector investment funding to ensure the plans become a reality.

The regeneration plan was approved by the council's ruling cabinet at its meeting on 23 September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Council leader Martin Gannon said it was a "landmark moment".

It is a framework detailing existing and planned infrastructure plans, areas for potential investment and a commitment to "enabling all residents to thrive".

The cabinet agreed to the plan and endorsed the setting up of a Gateshead Regeneration Programme Partnership Board.

It agreed to also join forces with Newcastle City Council and the North East Combined Authority to drive forward with the regeneration.

Projects like regenerating the Old Town Hall and Railway Quarter are already under way.

It also detailed hopes to create up to 1,000 new homes and infrastructure in place of the soon-to-be demolished flyover.

The council said it would liaise with residents to ensure local communities would help shape the future of their areas.