A vibrant urban environment requires a mix of uses particularly at ground level to create extensive pedestrian activity and interest at different times of the day and evening.

The buildings that contribute to the activity in central Gateshead are predominantly the shop units in the High Street, Jackson Street and part of West Street, thereby restricting people activity to retail hours. There are occasional pubs and clubs scattered through the centre but overall they contribute little to 24-hour activity.

The emerging cultural and leisure quarter at the Quays provides some additional social activity that is not retail led, but it is currently more connected and associated with Newcastle Quayside than with Gateshead.