By Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of Newcastle NE1 Ltd
In the wake of Labour’s landslide victory in the general election, I want to throw down the gauntlet. We have a new Labour Government, a Labour Mayor, and the vast majority of our region’s councils are of the same political hue.
The scale of the Government’s electoral success is significant. Goodwill from businesses and the electorate is abundant and there is tremendous optimism and ambition for the region’s future, the new Government cannot afford to squander it. All the political levers are now in place to move the city and the region forward and there are no excuses for failing to act decisively to support the economic growth and prospects of this region.
The electorate is right to have high expectations. In conversations with North East businesses, regional positivity and optimism are running high and locals feel that the stars are aligning for the city. Our time has come.
At NE1, we know only too well, that a five-year cycle should be treated as an extended job interview. We embark on each new BID term knowing that we have five years to prove our worth and deliver on what we promised. We want the Government to do the same, especially when it comes to delivering for this region. In five years’ time, the Government should be able to look back and be proud of what has been delivered collectively with local, regional and national politicians all working together.
Top of the list for political support should be a firm commitment and unreserved support for Sage Arena and International Conference Centre. It would be a complete economic game-changer for Gateshead, for Newcastle and for the region. When delivered, the development would attract 1 million visitors each year, create 2,000 new jobs, and provide an annual boost to the region’s economy to the tune of £69mn.
With collective political support and a willingness to collaborate, the conference and exhibition centre could, and should, be delivered within the next political cycle.
Across the region, greater focus should also be given to other monumental, once-in-a-generation projects that will deliver transformational change and set the North East on a different economic trajectory. The reopening of the disused Leamside railway line and Washington Loop Metro line will provide crucial transport links across the region. The 21-mile Leamside route, last used by passengers in the 1960s, is hailed as the most important piece of transport infrastructure for the economic, social and environmental fortunes and future of the North East. Let’s get it done.
Gateshead, Newcastle and the whole region need these projects to get off the ground and quickly. They say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, and the secondbest time is now. It’s great to see the new Mayor has been operating at pace already to inject momentum into her priorities and commit funds to develop the business case for the Metro extension. We wholly endorse her efforts and the speed at which she, and the new Labour Government, are operating – long may it continue.
We need action. We know that when certainty and a clear timescale are provided for the conference centre, there will be a huge amount of private sector investment to support and take advantage of the commercial opportunity.
Although the prospect of a £350 million build may seem daunting, the wider regional benefits delivered will be transformational.
We know from previous event experience that there is strong demand for Newcastle as a venue, and we put on a good show. Events held here raise the profile of the city on a national and international stage, are always well attended and deliver for the organisers. Magic Weekend, one of Super League’s flagship annual events, is a prime example with four of the five highest-attended events ever held staged in Newcastle.
We have all the essential ingredients to be a great host city and one that can compete on a national and international stage. We have a compact and welcoming city centre, everything within walking distance and great transport links.
If we build it, we know they will come, and we shouldn’t squander this golden opportunity.
Just imagine five years from now, the Tyne Bridge restoration complete, the Northumberland Line open, a gleaming new Metro fleet in service and Leamside Line and Washington Loop all approved and ready to go. Pilgrim Street, the Helix, Stephenson Quarter and Forth Yards are all finished and fully let. And, to top it off, the Quayside is teeming with visitors from across the globe, who are streaming into the city to attend the plethora of events being hosted in this amazing region.
Now that’s a CV our politicians could be proud of.
www.newcastlene1ltd.com