Investors sought for Gateshead scheme that includes 12,500-seater stadium

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is supporting the creation of thousands of jobs in the North East with the launch of £2bn worth of new investment opportunities.

The portfolio will help deliver 5,000 jobs at Gateshead’s Follingsby Max logistics and distribution centre and a new 12,500-seater stadium at Gateshead Quays.

The latter development will span almost 10 acres and include 350 new hotel rooms across two buildings, more than 516,000 sq ft of leisure space and almost 41,000 sq ft of retail space.

Minister for Investment Graham Stuart MP will reveal the schemes this week at the MIPIM UK property conference in London, which is forecast to attract 3,000 property professionals and more than 300 potential investors from around the world.

The £2bn portfolio includes schemes in Liverpool, Sussex, Edinburgh and Belfast.

It was created by the DIT’s Capital Investment team, which is leading the Government’s drive to attract and support international investment for large-scale property, regeneration, infrastructure and energy projects in the UK.

Dr Liam Fox MP, International Trade Secretary, said: “It has never been easier to find opportunities for global investment in the UK and these seven projects worth £2 billion give investors the opportunity to do just that.

“Not only will these projects promote our vibrant and successful real estate industry, they also create homes and jobs across the country.”

He added: “As an international economic department, our message is loud and clear: the UK is open for business, and we can help find the right investment for you.”

Minister for Investment Graham Stuart MP commented: “It’s a privilege for me to launch these new schemes, which will provide new homes and jobs for people across the country.

“The UK is the number one destination in Europe for foreign investment, and we will continue to promote opportunities that help people find decent jobs and develop strong communities.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry MP said: “From a transformed waterfront in Liverpool to rival any historic European city, to a new, state-of-the-art Quay in Gateshead, these new developments represent over £1bn of world-class investment in the Northern Powerhouse.

“With Government working hand-in-hand with business and attracting international investment from across the globe, we’re delivering transformative regeneration for communities from coast to coast across the North – further evidence that the Northern Powerhouse is one of the most business-friendly regions in the UK.”