COUNCIL LEADER ADDRESSES BIG ARENA QUESTION

Arena might not remain 'long-term'

- By DANIEL HOLLAND Local Democracy Reporter

A £65 million upgrade planned for Newcastle's Utilita Arena does not mean it will stay in the city for good or that plans for a replacement in Gateshead are dead, a council leader has hinted.

Legends Global, who operate the arena, announced major plans to extend and refurbish the venue in December promising to make it "fit for the future".

The improvements could see the arena's capacity increase by 20%, bars and dressing rooms revamped, and new premium lounges opened. But the plans come amid lingering uncertainty surrounding the regeneration of the Gateshead Quays, where a new 12,500-capacity arena is meant to be built.

That vast development proposal, which also includes an international conference centre, was meant to act as a replacement for the existing arena on the other side of the Tyne.