Placemaking Programme Report - Gateshead

Millington, Steven ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5143-3074 and Bell, Penny (2022) Placemaking Programme Report - Gateshead. Project Report. High Streets Task Force.

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Abstract

Gateshead and the High Streets Task Force (HSTF) began working together following an expert visit in July 2021. Based on discussions with the Council, the subsequent Unlocking Your Place Potential Report outlines how the Task Force can provide further support for Gateshead. It was agreed there is a sensible vision to regenerate Gateshead, but it was recognised this may take several years to achieve. The pressing challenge is the need to activate the town centre now. Consequently, the Taskforce recommended Gateshead begin a process of reinvention. This entails developing a programme of activities which will increase footfall and spend, through interventions to attract a wider range of residents or encourage existing other visitors to stay longer. This could include events, festivals, pop-up retail, reuse of vacant shops, and basic improvements to the appearance of the town centre. New activity might also trial new products or services which will diversify the local offer and begin to adapt the centre to meet the needs of future users. To help places tackle reinvention, the Taskforce offers the Placemaking Workshop developed and delivered by the IPM, which is designed to bring together key stakeholders to identify the challenges and opportunities for their high street and to agree short term and long-term priorities which can be the focus of an action plan to ensure its future sustainability.