Plans for Newcastle Quayside to rival Australian waterfront revealed
THE company responsible for Restaurant Week, Screen on the Green and Quayside Seaside has issued its business plan for Newcastle City Centre today [Monday, September 3].
NE1 Ltd, the Business Improvement District Company for Newcastle City Centre, has ambitious plans for Newcastle’s Quayside, improving the city’s digital infrastructure, its retail and historic core and plans to prioritise greening and sustainability within the city centre environment.
The main focus will be developing the waterfront to rival Copenhagen, Melbourne or New York’s ‘High Line’.

The company, which is financed through a levy paid by members, must hold a vote every five years for contributors to decide if they want the BID to continue and has issued the proposals to its 1,400 members as it seeks re-election for a third, five year BID term.
A success in October will secure the future of its existing projects and deliver an extra £10 million investment in the city over the next five years.
NE1 is responsible for major schemes such as the Central Station Gateway Project, the creation of the NE1 Newcastle City Marina and the Bigg Market regeneration project, which was financed by Heritage Lottery Funding, NE1 and Newcastle City Council.
Their Alive after Five project also guarantees free car parking after 5pm in Council-owned multi-storey car parks until March 2024, in an effort to more attract people to the city after work.
Commenting on NE1’s Business proposals and BID renewal, Adrian Waddell, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: “Newcastle is on the cusp of something very special and it’s an exciting time for businesses and for the people of the city, but we cannot afford to be complacent.
“Support from the city’s business community is essential in providing a strong mandate to push forward and deliver these ambitious plans. Over the past few months we have consulted widely with members; their views and hopes for the city have helped shape our business proposals and plans for the future.
“The key message from businesses is to keep being ambitious and to strive for quality in all that we do. We believe the business proposal we have launched today delivers this.
“We urge businesses to vote yes, so together we can maintain the gains of the past and secure £10 million investment for Newcastle’s future.”
There will also be continued support for events established in previous years, as well as existing events such as Chinese New Year and Pride.
Ballot papers will be distributed on September 20 and voters will need to cast their vote before 5pm on October 18.

