Building reputations in Gateshead
Owned and managed by Gateshead Council, the new Gateshead International Stadium, built in partnership with Gateshead Building Control, is now building an international reputation for sporting success
Gateshead International Stadium has a regional, national and international reputation for hosting some of the UK’s top sporting events, providing superb training facilities for talented athletes, sports clubs and the local community.
Originally opened in 1955, Gateshead Council has continually developed facilities and activities to maintain its role as a leading sports venue. The stadium plays host to major events, such as international athletics and music concerts, local club fixtures and exhibitions.
As well as running various holiday programmes and sports camps, the Gateshead International Stadium is also home to Gateshead College Academy for Sport and The English Institute of Sport, North East.
Costing nearly £15 million, the recent redevelopment beckons a new era for the venue and bringing exciting new facilities unique to the region, integrating top quality sports facilities, a communitybased sports centre and a broad range of sport-related education and training programmes in partnership with Gateshead College Academy for Sport.
The academy provides a range of multi-sport facilities, which will complement existing provisions to support and encourage individuals, clubs, community groups, educational organisations and governing bodies of sport to develop skills and improve pathway opportunities.
The facilities will enhance existing generic sport and health structures, providing progressive sport and physical activity opportunities, filling a gap in provision, particularly at the performance end of the continuum.
Facilities include a state-ofthe- art indoor athletics training hall with sprint track, throwing cage and vertical and horizontal jumping facilities. Two full size third generation artificial turf pitches offer the best artificial surface for football and rugby, while adjacent floodlit grass pitches provide an excellent coaching, training and competitive playing surface.
A learning resource centre, classrooms, human performance laboratories, aerobics room, sports injury/massage rooms and ancillary accommodation for college students and Regional Performance Centre athletes occupy 2,188 sq metres. In addition, the Academy provides an air-conditioned fitness room with cardiovascular and resistance equipment, including specialist equipment for disabled users and an extensive free weights area.
These will be available for community health and sports participation as well as in establishing a Regional Performance Centre for athletics and rugby league. Up to 23 sports will be supported for those at the higher levels of performance and in national governing body talent identification schemes.
The development was financed via a unique funding package involving a partnership of One North East; Sport England; Government Office North East; Northern Rock Foundation; Learning and Skills Council; Tyne Wear Partnership; Gateshead College and Gateshead Council.
These partnerships and the provision of enhanced facilities will help develop positive links between education, health and sporting organisations, benefiting community health and fitness as well as improving achievements in education.
The establishment of a regional centre will help to reduce the migration of athletes in the region and assist in the development and retention of talented athletes for the future. As well as providing quality training for coaches, volunteers and administrators at all levels in a supportive environment to encourage achievement.
Building Control worked closely with the partnership to ensure fire solutions to deal with large compartments and maximise free space. They also worked on sustainability issues, including rainwater harvesting and water recycling.
