ECF – the partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse – will work alongside Gateshead Council to develop funding arrangements, phasing and delivery plans for the long-term regeneration scheme. The Baltic Quarter forms a central pillar of the council’s regeneration strategy unveiled last autumn.
Initial work will explore how new homes and employment space can be delivered alongside enhanced public realm, landscaping, pedestrian routes and supporting infrastructure. The plans will also seek to protect and strengthen the area’s existing business community, including Gateshead College and the Northern Design Centre.
The council said the ambition is to build on the quarter’s established creative and commercial identity, enabling existing businesses to remain and expand while attracting new talent to Gateshead and neighbouring Newcastle.
Sustainability is a key focus of the proposals. The area already benefits from a district energy network powered by the UK’s largest urban solar farm and mine water heat, as well as a recently completed 1,000-space car park designed to support large-scale electric vehicle charging.
Sir Michael Lyons, chair of ECF, said the agreement would allow partners to collaborate closely with the council and local stakeholders to shape proposals that respect Gateshead’s industrial heritage while delivering lasting economic and social benefits.
The pre-development agreement was secured through Pagabo’s developer-led framework.
Council leader Martin Gannon said the Baltic Quarter project could deliver more than 1,600 new homes, additional office space and high-quality public spaces, creating a “shop window for Gateshead” capable of drawing further investment into the borough.
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