A planning application for the regeneration of Trinity Square has been submitted to Gateshead Council by Spenhill, the regeneration subsidiary of Tesco.

The application follows the signing of a development agreement between Spenhill and Gateshead last week, which included an agreement to demolish the multi-storey car park that currently dominates the town centre.

The £150m proposals include a new town square, 45 retail units, offices, a student village with over 900 beds, town centre parking and a Tesco store as well as the potential for a hotel. Pedestrian links will also integrate the town centre with the existing regeneration successes at the quayside. The scheme will transform Trinity Square into a vibrant centre that the people of Gateshead can be proud of and want to visit.

The town centre revamp will increase Gateshead’s standing as the regeneration capital of the North East, adding to its major regeneration developments at Gateshead Quays and surrounding town including Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage Gateshead, Gateshead International Stadium and the Metrocentre.

Much of the demolition has already begun on the site with work on the multi-storey car park and the remainder of the site recommencing shortly.

Doug Wilson, Corporate Affairs Manager for Spenhill said: “We have been working closely with the Council to deliver the best possible town centre for the people of Gateshead.

“With demolition of the car-park starting soon, local people will now see progress being made. The regeneration of Trinity Square also reflects the confidence we have in the future of Gateshead and its potential for growth. We are very excited to have arrived at a scheme which provides fantastic facilities that will transform the town centre into a place people want to visit.”