£20m Gateshead retail and leisure scheme to include a drive-thru

21 May 2020

Updated plans have been revealed for a multi-million pound retail and leisure scheme in Gateshead.

Developer Fintry Estates has revealed reshaped plans to focus on economic recovery and growth following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The developer initially outlined plans for the 3.3 hectare (8.2-acre) site off Albany Road, south of the Baltic Business Quarter, in the summer of 2018.

The proposed development would comprise a discount food-store, additional retail units, garden centre, micro-brewery/pub, drive-thru coffee shop and a gym. A total of 304 car parking spaces would also be provided.

If approved, the development could generate significant economic benefits, including private investment of about £20m and £16m of additional GVA over the build period. It has also been estimated that the scheme could create about 138 jobs, as well as 125 roles during construction.

Graham Wilson, of Fintry Estates, commented: “Our proposals would not only regenerate the Albany Road site but would also help to stimulate interest in sites elsewhere within the Council’s Baltic Business Quarter.

“Investment such as this is critical given the need for economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

An outline planning application for the scheme was submitted in March 2019, but a number of changes have now been made following extensive discussions with Gateshead Council. These include bringing the eastern edge of the development into the site, in order to reserve land which may be needed for future improvements to the surrounding highway network.

The new proposals include fewer parking spaces, a reduction in the retail space, and a re-design of the proposed micro-brewery/pub to provide a landmark entrance building to the development, from the A184 Felling Bypass.

Fintry has appointed the Newcastle office of national planning and development consultancy Lichfields to secure planning consent.

Lichfields senior director Jonathan Wallace, head of the Newcastle Office, said: "By reserving land for future highways improvements, the scheme would help to stimulate development interest in the wider Baltic Business Quarter area."