Member Article

Newcastle businesses back NE1 Ltd for second term

Newcastle businesses have voted to keep the city’s business district improvement company, NE1 Ltd, for another five years.

62% of the city’s businesses voted in the ballot which was held over a four-week period. Voters were balloted on whether they wanted to continue to pay a 1% levy on their business rates to finance a 2nd term for NE1 Ltd.

So far NE1 has delivered the Alive after Five initiative; the Central Station redevelopment; the Newcastle City Marina and Space 2…. centre for young people, and this result means the company will continue its work until 2019.

During its second term, NE1 will continue its work with businesses and the city council on a number of significant projects that aim to make a difference to the commercial appeal and physical environment of the city centre.

These projects include: the redevelopment of the area around the entrance to The Gate entertainment complex; the redevelopment of the Bigg Market to improve the physical environment and encourage additional business investment; the remodelling of the public realm around Percy Street to make the area more attractive and improve access to the city centre.

Another major development in NE1’s 2nd term plan is to continue work on a multi-million project that has already begun with Newcastle City Council and local and national retailers to redevelop Northumberland Street to ensure its continued place as the North East’s primary shopping street.

Commenting on the result, Sean Bullick, chief executive of NE1 Ltd said: “We are delighted for NE1 and the city as a whole, the re-election is a real vote of confidence in what we have achieved and in the team delivering the programme, especially in light of the difficult economic times people continue to face.

“We have ambitious plans for our 2nd term which will deliver even more significant programmes and will continue to shape a strong and positive future for Newcastle. All our efforts over the past five years and plans for the coming five will help cement Newcastle’s place as a major regional capital.”

David Quinn, managing director of Fenwick Ltd and chairman of NE1 Ltd, said: “It is encouraging to reflect on all that NE1 has delivered over the past 5 years and I am delighted that businesses have recognised that and voted in support of another term. NE1 and its initiatives will continue to have a major strategic impact on the city as well as delivering long term value for businesses.

“The ‘Yes’ vote is testament to the hard work and dedication of not just the executive team at NE1 but to the wider NE1 board who commit their time and expertise for the improvement of the City.”

78% of businesses voted in favour of NE1’s continued work.

Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, added: “NE1 has been an outstanding advocate for Newcastle and city centre businesses over the last five years. They’ve done a huge amount to promote local businesses, particularly during recent tough economic times, as well as make the city centre a welcoming and attractive place for everyone.

“This vote is a huge vote of confidence in NE1 and our city by businesses, and I look forward to working with them to champion their new raft of developments in the city centre.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .