Clearing empty space in Gateshead? (7)

I believe the answer is:

voiding

'clearing' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'empty space in gateshead?' is the wordplay.
'empty space' becomes 'void' (I've seen this before).
'gateshead?' becomes 'g' (head letter of 'gates').
'void'+'in'+'g'='VOIDING'

(Other definitions for voiding that I've seen before include "Discharging, emptying" , "clearing out" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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