Metropolitan district in England
| Coordinates: | 54.93, -1.68 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | NZ 20 59 |
The metropolitan borough of Gateshead sits on the south bank of the River Tyne opposite Newcastle upon Tyne, forming part of the wider Tyneside conurbation. The borough mixes dense urban neighbourhoods with hills and open countryside to the west, and is crossed by several iconic crossings including the pedestrian Gateshead Millennium Bridge.
Historically the area grew on coal, heavy industry and shipbuilding and was part of County Durham until the 1974 reorganisation; much of the local economy has shifted towards light industry, services and retail, anchored by large employment sites such as the Team Valley trading estate. Regeneration has also delivered cultural landmarks, notably the converted mill that houses the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, the music venue Sage Gateshead, and the large public sculpture the Angel of the North.
Residents enjoy green spaces such as Saltwell Park, a lively local arts scene and good public transport links via the Tyne and Wear Metro and major road routes. Ongoing riverside redevelopment around Gateshead Quays aims to broaden the borough’s economy while retaining visible traces of its industrial past and a strong sense of local community.
NE8, NE9, NE10, NE11, NE16, NE17, NE21, NE39, NE40