The conference complex is the first phase of the delayed £350m+ Sage development which will also include an arena and new hotel.

BAM has carried-out enabling works on the conference centre site and Lendlease will start main construction later this year.

David Cadiot, Executive General Manager of UK Regions for Lendlease, said: “Lendlease has a track record of building, designing and project managing some of the world’s greatest sporting and entertainment venues. We’ll bring the know how to create an exceptional venue, one which local people will be hugely proud to have on their doorstep.”

John Hughes, Managing Director of Ask Real Estate commented on behalf of the Ask:PATRIZIA partnership: “We’re really pleased to have partnered with Lendlease to bring forward the first phase of The Sage International Conference Centre and The Sage Arena scheme and look forward to seeing this superb facility emerge on the Gateshead waterfront.

“Lendlease has significant experience in delivering large-scale, complex schemes and we’re determined  to realise the partnership’s vision for The Sage International Conference Centre and deliver this transformational and ambitious development for the region.”

Designed by HOK Architects the project team also includes planning consultants Lichfields, engineers Cundall, QS Core Five, Planit-IE, Crowd Dynamics, Vectos and MEP consultants Desco.