A landmark leisure development is set to create 120 jobs when it revives a popular food and drink fixture on Gateshead quayside – and this time it will be permanent.
The region said a sad farewell to By The River Brew Co, its popular taproom and award-winning nose to tail restaurant Trakol this year, when the brewery and adjoining foodie hub Hwkrland were forced to close when repair work began on the Tyne Bridge.
The shipping container village had completely transformed a once derelict patch of land at Hillgate, welcoming thousands of people into its popular brewery tap overlooking the river, as well as showcasing dozens of independent foodie operators each weekend.
When it was first announced in 2018 the original developers Dave Stone and Rob Cameron said it would only remain in place for four years, but its popularity saw it stay on an extra two, only bringing down the curtain on the much-loved site in September this year.
Now, however, the team behind By The River are concocting a new rendition of the leisure landmark which will be a permanent fixture, promising a new-and-improved version under a new name, with all the features which proved popular at the original along with some new additions. Plans have been submitted to Gateshead council, and the new image above issued showing how version 2.0 will look, with a new style including an event space on the banks of the Tyne with private gardens.
Around 120 full and part-time jobs will be created at the site, and its new name is set to be unveiled soon. More than £5m is set to be invested in the project – significantly more than the first site’s £1.5m investment – and the company is aiming to use a mix of construction methods, including using some of the existing framework with some timber new build and steel frame timber clad.
A spokesperson said: “First of all, By The River will not be known as By The River going forward – it is a whole new landscape and offer. Trakol will be making a return as will the Bikeshop but both will be in different guises.
“There will be cocktails. There will also be a whole new style, with all the good bits you know and love with so much more.
“Obtaining planning approval is the latest step in bringing this vision to fruition. The aim is to commence on site next spring/summer and the build will take nearly a year. We do of course have to work around the bridge repairs.
“The discussion on creating a permanent development started on the opening night of By The River. The impact of creating a sense of place on the site and positively affecting the surrounding area was immediately apparent. Fast forward a few years and the real planning started during Covid and brought us to where we are today.
“The council have played a major role in supporting this development and they are as excited as we are. Our intention is to create a landmark that can be enjoyed by everyone for many years to come whether they live in the neighbourhood or are visiting the North East.
“It’s always exciting for us to bring something new to the architecture and leisure landscape. It’s what we always try to do and it’s time to do it again.”