A new partnership arranged by the developers behind a proposed £20 million Gateshead retail scheme could create work and training opportunities. Fintry Estates and development partner Hargreaves revealed revised plans earlier this year for the 8.2-acre site, off Albany Road, south of the Baltic Business Quarter.

It is set to feature a discount food-store, additional retail units, garden centre, micro-brewery/pub, drive-thru coffee shop and a gym, and could create about 138 job.

The developers have ow partnered with partnership with Gateshead College to offer work and training opportunities to student in both construction and retail.

“Hargreaves and Fintry Estates are serious about investing in Gateshead, the place and the people. As we begin the economic recovery, our proposed £20m development will help pump-prime the local economy, creating around 125 jobs during the construction phase, and around 138 when the scheme is fully operational,” said Graham Wilson, director at Fintry Estates.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Gateshead College, to ensure the young people of Gateshead are well-equipped for work. If planning permission is granted, we’ll work together to offer real work experience and employment opportunities for college students on the site, through the construction phase and into operation as a new retail and leisure quarter. The proposed development demonstrates a massive vote of confidence in Gateshead,” Graham added.

A planning application was submitted to Gateshead Council by the Newcastle office of national planning and development consultancy Lichfields earlier this year and is expected to be heard later this month (August 2020).