Gateshead

Gateshead borough sits on the south bank of the River Tyne in North East England and includes towns such as Gateshead, Whickham, Birtley, Blaydon, Dunston and Rowlands Gill. The area has an industrial past tied to coal and engineering, visible in places like Team Valley trading estate and the layout of older neighbourhoods. Saltwell Park and other green spaces sit close to urban centres. On a prominent low hill near Low Fell stands the Angel of the North, a 20-metre steel figure with a 54-metre wingspan, placed on the site of a former colliery and visible from many approaches to the borough.

Gateshead Quays hosts cultural venues and repurposed buildings, including a contemporary art centre in a converted flour mill and a concert venue on the riverfront. The Millennium Bridge on the quayside tilts to allow river traffic and serves pedestrians and cyclists. Retail and leisure clusters include the large MetroCentre complex nearby, while local rail and metro services provide regular links across Tyne and Wear and beyond.