BAM breaks ground on £300m arena

BAM Construction has started enabling works for the NewcastleGateshead Quays arena, conference and exhibition centre scheme in Newcastle, UK.

Due for completion in 2024, the new waterfront complex is being built on the banks of the River Tyne and represents a £300m regeneration of the area by Gateshead Council.

NewcastleGateshead Quays will include a 12,500-seat arena, an 8,800m² conference and exhibition centre, restaurants, a dual-branded hotel and large areas of outdoor and performance space.

According to BAM, the development will also include provisions for bicycle users across the site and, thanks to a direct connection to Gateshead’s district energy network, it will also provide electric vehicle charging points.

Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said, “We are delighted to see work beginning on what is a vital site for Gateshead and the wider region.

“We will work closely with our partners and local stakeholders to ensure the development progresses smoothly, and we deliver a project that creates good quality jobs and provides a huge boost to our economy.”

The construction and subsequent operation of NewcastleGateshead Quays is anticipated to create around 2,000 local jobs. 

According to BAM, upon its completion, the complex will help attract over a million extra visitors to the city each year, and boost the local economy by around £70 million annually.

John Phillips, Regional Director at BAM, said, “Gateshead and the North East are very significant to us, because our people and our hearts are there and we know the local companies and suppliers so well.

“It’s a transformational scheme which everybody will benefit from and we have a wonderful opportunity to use our time here to enhance lives and give something back to Gateshead and its people.”

BAM, which is headquartered in Newcastle, was contracted to the project by developer Ask:PATRIZIA. The contractor will carry out the enabling works at the site prior to the start of the project’s main construction phase works, which will be undertaken by Sir Robert McAlpine.