A new venue in Gateshead opened April 11, 2024, showing off heritage sites along the Tyne Derwent Way after a £1.5 million upgrade.
It’s called the Tyne Derwent Way at The Staiths and opened April 11, 2024. They improved the trail for £1.5 million. The route runs from Gateshead Quays to Gibside. The Dunston Staiths also reopened that day after being closed for five years.
The new venue sits at the Staiths’ west end.
The National Trust’s Lucy Zwolinksa said it is a starting point to learn local history and that the location is very important.
The Staiths are very popular with people but stay closed during winter because of birds and the structure can get slippery. However, they can offer nature walks from there. It’s also a point to find other parts of the Way.
Right now, the venue acts as a pop-up space while The National Trust figures out how best to use it. Currently, they host a photo exhibit featuring 1970s Staiths photos taken by Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen. There are many art projects too, many designed for children.
They want community groups using the space later on. Since opening, Lucy says it’s been popular and she shared stories about visitor experiences.
People say things like “My dad worked there,” and someone even noticed an incorrect photo. The heritage is passed down through stories, according to Lucy. It’s like a space for all ages, she explained.
The National Trust wants to use it for mental health help. The Tyne Derwent Way is a green corridor and nature should be accessible to everyone. The work started long before, and it’s been ten busy months since opening, Lucy said.
Volunteering is successful, like when they did clean-ups in Gateshead Riverside Park. The forest school is doing great, and they have many events for families. It is all really exciting.
Half-term activities are planned at the Tyne Derwent Way, where you can expect to make Gateshead-themed bunting, puppet making, bird walks and surveys, and learn to create window art.