Background

Gateshead Quays, once a focal point for industries in the North East during the Industrial Revolution and Victorian Era, fell into decline in the 1970s and 1980s. However, significant investment has transformed it into a unique arts and cultural space. In 1996, Gateshead Council envisioned transforming the vacant industrial wasteland into a multi-award-winning design. The resulting £70 million performing arts centre opened to the public on 17th December 2004.

Challenge

The challenge was to enhance pedestrian access and areas outside the multi-award-winning architectural design of the performing arts centre.

Approach

Marshalls contributed to the landscape with minimal, coordinated, low-profile, and unobtrusive modern urban designs from the Geo range. They created a bespoke handrail system with coloured glass panels to pay cohesive design tribute to the stunning interior balustrade and handrails along the mezzanine floors. A more cost-effective galvanised version of the Geo handrail form was specified along the side of the Tyne, with stainless uprights and top caps for visual cohesion. Marshalls also commissioned bespoke stainless steel hoop signs for parking bay markers, re-purposing design prompts from traffic signs in Kensington High Street.

Result

The BALTIC and The Sage Gateshead have acted as catalysts for the regeneration of Gateshead Quays, attracting further redevelopment of the area. The area has become the home to the Design Centre for the North, and Marshalls is proud that its products are considered in keeping with this landmark high-design development.