A FORMER television studio has been given a new lease of life, as the UK’s first LGBT+ business and media centre.

Stonehills, at Shields Road, Pelaw, was used by the BBC but has been empty for years.

With support from Gateshead Council, it will become the Pride Media Centre. It has television and radio studios, recording booths and 16 offices which will be available to fledgling businesses from the LGBT+ community and their supporters. The aim is for businesses to develop and be nurtured in the incubator hub, in a safe environment with support given to address any particular issues. It will also be home to not-for-profit organisation Pride Community Network, Pride World Radio which broadcasts online to around 125 countries, Pride Radio 89.2FM and forthcoming Out and Proud TV, which launches next year.

The centre will also run a range of outreach programmes aimed at reaching isolated members of the LGBT+ community and deliver to them a range of relevant services.

Initially the management team are being seconded from Pride World Media, which is a multi-platform LGBT+ broadcaster, to help the venture get off the ground.

“This is a really exciting venture and we’re delighted to be able to run the first dedicated LGBT+ business and media centre is the UK, “ said Jonathan Morrell, chair of the Board of PCN and an award-winning TV broadcaster and journalist.

“There is a real opportunity here for us to do something very special and give the LGBT+ community the chance to turn their business ideas into a reality with the full support of a strong network of experts.

“We are extremely grateful to Gateshead Council for being so forward-thinking in allowing us to launch this unique venture here in the North East.”

Councillor John Adams said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pride Community Network to Gateshead, not only because they’re dynamic and ambitious but because they promote and embrace diversity.

“As a council this is something we are very much supportive of, and as a gay man it is important to me personally. The council is helping the company get started and we’re looking forward to seeing and hearing more from Pride Community Network in the new year.”

The not-for-profit organisation is now looking for support from businesses across the region which are interested in building their relationship with the LGBT+ community. For details emails sales@prideworldmedia.com.

Work to transform the building is underway, with a view to office accommodation being available to rent from early in 2019.