NE1, the Business Improvement District company for Newcastle city centre, has published a consultation document outlining its proposed plans and priorities for Newcastle city centre over the next five years. The plans were presented to an audience of invited businesses at a breakfast briefing session.
In September, businesses will be balloted on whether to support NE1 to develop and deliver these agreed priorities and set the agenda for the city until 2029
If businesses vote ‘Yes’ to reinstating NE1 for a fourth term, it will guarantee more than £10m ring-fenced investment for the city. The money will be spent improving and shaping the city centre, at a time when Newcastle is undergoing transformational change.
1,400 businesses in Newcastle have received the consultation document and NE1 is now asking for feedback to help shape its strategic direction for the next five years.
NE1 is asking businesses for their views on the following key priorities:
Providing a stronger voice for business; continuing to lobby locally and nationally to increase investment in the city
Improving access and links to the city; including parking and public transport provision as well as regional and national links
Getting the basics right; ensuring Newcastle is cleaner and safer, with increased police visibility and response
Curating the experience; celebrating the different areas and quarters of the city that make Newcastle unique while providing operational assistance and support for businesses
Events; delivering and supporting events to drive footfall, spend, and raise the profile and perceptions of the city
Promoting; delivering heavyweight marketing campaigns to attract visitors, with a year-round focus on digital and social media marketing for the city’s businesses
Greening and sustainability; delivering permanent and temporary city centre greening and biodiversity, as well as waste rationalisation and communal recycling.
If successful in the ballot, NE1 will focus on these key themes and actions to create the best possible trading environment for the city’s businesses for the future.
Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd said: “It is a hugely exciting time for the city and NE1. Over the past six months, we have been discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the city’s business community and we have now launched our formal consultation on business priorities for the next five years.
“We will be contacting all of our businesses to test and refine these priorities. It is an opportunity for each business to influence and shape NE1’s plan for the future.
“It is remarkable what the business community has collectively achieved over the past five years, and there is much to look forward to. The economic foundations of the city are strong and Newcastle is on the cusp of something special. It is crucial that the voice of business is heard at the highest level when decisions are being made that will have a lasting impact on the city. Now is the time for business to set the agenda and chart a course for the city until 2029.”
Timetable for the consultation and the ballot
Consultation issued 15 June 2023
Consultation closes 14 July 2023
Business plan issued 4 September 2023
Ballot papers issued 18 September 2023
Ballot closes 19 October 2023
Businesses wanting to give their views should contact Stephen Patterson by email at Stephen.patterson@newcastlene1ltd.com, or by phone on 0191 235 7092.