AN electric go-karting circuit will be built in the Metrocentre – creating 50 new jobs.

The Metrocentre partnership was given the go ahead by Gateshead Council to open an “active entertainment venue” in the former Argos unit in the shopping centre’s yellow mall.

The venue will boast electric go-carting, a sports bar and e-sports.

The council’s planning department recommended approval for the plans, on Wednesday, saying the Metrocentre is an “established retail and leisure destination”.

The report from authority planners went on to talk about the economic benefits of the proposals, claiming it would help support the landmark shopping centre.

It would do this, it said, by bringing investment.

It said: “Officers consider that the proposed development would have the potential to create economic benefits, would provide investment that will continue to support the Metrocentre and would be in a highly accessible location.”

Planners also said the circuit wouldn’t have a negative impact on the area.

The report added: “The proposed change of use is considered to be commensurate with the established retail and leisure uses contained within the Metrocentre and would not give rise to any detrimental impact upon residential amenity or the amenity of nearby commercial premises.”

The planning committee will voted to approve the proposals on Wednesday.