NE1’s business priorities for the next five years if they are re-elected
SO what are NE1’s proposals for the next five years? The business plan issued to its 1,400 members today, ahead of the BID re-election vote which opens September 20, includes:
Greening and Sustainability: Ensuring Newcastle is cleaner, greener and safer — incorporating greening and sustainability into the fabric of the city and into all physical projects to create a better trading environment for NE1 businesses, their employees, residents, tourists and other city visitors.
Quayside: Focus on transforming the iconic Quayside with increased investment and plans to create a distinct brand for this quarter of the city with aspirations to create a 1 km linear park to rival Copenhagen, Melbourne or New York’s ‘High Line’.
Deliver further investment in Newcastle’s Retail Core: Create a retail destination of national and international significance — with better pedestrian links and a higher density of independent retail and leisure on Northumberland Street’s side streets. This summer’s trial initiatives, creating family-friendly parklets on Blackett Street and Northumberland Street, has provided a route map for the city’s future direction of travel.
Deliver further investment in Newcastle’s historic core: Work with property owners on additional private sector investment in the Bigg Market to bring vacant buildings back into use. Identify and encourage further investment in the city’s Historic Core including the Castle Keep, Black Gate, the Lit and Phil and the Mining Institute with a coordinated approach to marketing and promotion for this area of the city.
Digital infrastructure: Work with businesses and other partners to enable faster connection speeds and better, free WiFi for visitors. Lobby for increased investment and support for the Smart Cities Agenda.
Major events and animation: Continue to identify and attract major events to the city to deliver economic impact for NE1’s businesses such as the Rugby Football League’s Magic Weekend and concerts at St James’ Park. Focus NE1’s event delivery on the summer and winter seasons, transforming Newcastle’s Christmas experience.
The group are already responsible for initiatives like Alive After Five, Restaurant Week and the Quayside Seaside.
A re-election success in October will secure the future of its existing projects and see an extra £10 million investment in the city over the next five years.


