The move means plans for the 10-acre site at Gateshead Quays are now scheduled to be submitted by the end of next year.

Architect HOK has been appointed to design the new 12,500 seat arena and international conference and exhibition centre.

Another practice, AHR Architects, will develop and design the overall masterplan of the site including hotels, bars and restaurants and car parking for the scheme.

Aerial view of proposed Gateshead conference centre site

And Planit-ie has been named as landscape architects for the scheme, which will sit between the Sage Gateshead and the Baltic arts centre, directly opposite the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Gateshead Council’s development partners for the scheme is Carillion-owned Ask Real estate and German property firm Patrizia.

Daniel Williams, Head of Development UK and Ireland, Patrizzia UK said: “All three organisations were selected as they all have a fantastic reputation for designing major new centres. These new facilities will certainly confirm Gateshead Quays as one of Europe’s key cultural locations.”