NewcastleGateshead Quays Welcomes The Sage

CGI projection of how GatesheadQuays will look when completed

● Sage revealed as naming partner for the NewcastleGateshead Quays development with £10m investment
● Partnership will play a crucial role in delivering a pioneering community-focused, state of the art arena (Sage Arena), exhibition and conference centre (Sage ICC), showcasing the best of the region to a global audience
● £300m+ development will provide a £70m annual boost to the local economy and create 2,000 jobs
● Local small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) and Sage customers to contribute to development and operation of the site and benefit from work spaces, priority access and promotional opportunities

Sage, the accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology company, has just been announced as the new naming partner for the transformational NewcastleGateshead Quays arena and conference centre development.

The Sage will be operated by ASM Global, the world's leading venue management and services company.

Opening in 2024, The Sage will be a 54,500 sqm pioneering community-focused, state-of-the-art business and entertainment destination, bringing the world to the North East.

Sage say the venue will support the region's businesses by unlocking access to new customers and international markets through commercial and promotional opportunities.

It will be the North East's largest business and entertainment district and will welcome more than one million visitors annually. The development will provide an estimated £70m annual boost for the local economy, creating 2,000 jobs, the majority of which will be sustained over the long-term.

The Sage will sit between the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and the renowned international music centre, Sage Gateshead.

The Sage will be a community-focused international venue through:

  • The supply chain - Giving priority to local suppliers and contractors, where possible, so that The Sage is built by the North East for the North East.
  • Recruitment and skilling up - by partnering with local education institutions, the development will promote and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs by offering work experience opportunities that lead to sustainable employment.
  • Access for all - The Sage will support local businesses with workspace options and opportunities to showcase their products and services to a global audience. The Sage 'green access' pass will ensure members of the local community have a chance to attend events, who wouldn't usually be able to.

Steve Hare, CEO, Sage Group, said: "Sage's heart has always been in the North East, and today's announcement embodies our purpose - to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive. The Sage brings the world to the North East's front door, providing a platform to celebrate the region's brilliance.

"We are committed to making sure that The Sage is an inclusive venue by giving access to all, no matter their background. We believe it will unlock the huge potential the North East has, attracting greater investment and innovation."



Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council: "The Sage is a great example of our aspirations for Gateshead and the wider region. The project creates jobs, as well as training, education and supply chain opportunities, and will attract millions more visitors to the North East. The Sage will showcase regional strengths to a global audience and maximise opportunities for inward investment and repeat tourism.

"The Council is proud to be leading on this development and delighted to have Sage, a home grown, global business join the project as our naming partner."

The Sage operator, ASM Global, has a large UK portfolio which includes the Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

Tom Lynch, Senior Vice President, Europe for ASM Global: "This ambitious and transformational development will create a genuinely unique events campus with an iconic waterfront location, so it is fantastic to be teaming up with an equally iconic North East brand in the form of Sage.

"ASM Global has enjoyed over 25 years of success in the North East and we look forward to joining forces with Sage to take live entertainment, conventions and exhibitions to new heights, and cement the region's reputation as a sought-after business, leisure and cultural destination."

Abigail Pogson, Managing Director, Sage Gateshead: "Following the completion of the new development, Gateshead Quayside will be a unique destination in Europe, with cultural, entertainment, business, retail and hospitality all in this iconic location overlooking the Tyne. From our long association we know Sage to be a fantastic partner and welcome their further investment in the development and the region."

Sarah Munro, Director, BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art: "Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art opened in 2002 and has been serving communities from its building on the quayside and across the region for 20 years, building a national and international reputation. It is fantastic to now be seeing the completion of the Gateshead Quayside with the new development. The investment from Sage is a welcome endorsement of the new development and our region."

Throughout the construction phase and beyond, Sage will work closely with NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) to engage and collaborate with strategic partners and stakeholders to ensure this investment builds on the region's strengths and global reputation as a place to visit, invest and host major world-class events.

A visual of how The-Sagewill look

Images credit: NGQ