Lendlease has been appointed by Ask:PATRIZIA to deliver the £150m GDV The Sage International Conference Centre at Gateshead Quays.
Gateshead Council’s planning committee approved revised plans for the 61,440 sq m riverside scheme in March, with design amendments including the re-location of the 344-room dual branded hotel to an adjacent site and the subsequent creation of an urban park utilising the remaining space which will create a pedestrian link from the Gateshead Millennium Bridge up to Hawks Road.
The conference centre will be delivered in the first phase and offer 5,720 sq m of exhibition space, 2,520 sq m of meeting space, 17 conference rooms and a banqueting suite. On completion, the centre will be operated by ASM Global.
David Cadiot, executive general manager of UK regions for Lendlease, said: “Lendlease has a track record of building, designing and project managing some of the world’s greatest sporting and entertainment venues. We’ll bring the know how to create an exceptional venue, one which local people will be hugely proud to have on their doorstep.”
John Hughes, managing director of Ask Real Estate, commenting on behalf of Gateshead Council’s development partner Ask:PATRIZIA, added: “We’re really pleased to have partnered with Lendlease to bring forward the first phase of The Sage International Conference Centre and The Sage Arena scheme and look forward to seeing this superb facility emerge on the Gateshead waterfront. Lendlease has significant experience in delivering large-scale, complex schemes and we’re determined to realise the partnership’s vision for The Sage International Conference Centre and deliver this transformational and ambitious development for the region.”
Peter Udall, strategic director: economy, innovation and growth at Gateshead Council, said: “Lendlease is committed to delivering new jobs, skills and sustainability initiatives on every project – all of which are critical success factors of regeneration in Gateshead. We’re looking forward to working with Lendlease to bring The Sage International Conference Centre and all its wider benefits to Gateshead and the region.”
Russell WBHO has been appointed as contractor on the £48m hotel building, which will be operated by Accor under its Novotel and ibis brands. The delivery of The Sage International Conference Centre will be followed by The Sage Arena which will also be operated by ASM Global and will be completed under a separate construction contract.
Designed by HOK Architects the project team also includes planning consultants Lichfields, engineers Cundall, QS Core Five, Planit-IE, Crowd Dynamics, Vectos and MEP consultants Desco.
