Newcastle's NE1 Ltd issues BID proposals for hopeful third year in term

Today (September 3), NE1 Ltd - the Business Improvement District Company for Newcastle - has issued its Business Plan and BID renewal proposals to its 1,400 business members.

This will be outlining what it calls its ‘new plans, new possibilities and new opportunities for Newcastle’ as it seeks re-election for a third, five-year BID term.

Ballot papers will be distributed on September 20 and voters will need to cast their vote before 5pm on October 18 to allow NE1 to continue to support businesses in Newcastle’s city centre.

A ‘yes’ vote in October will secure the future of its existing projects and the gains made over the past 10 years as well as delivering an additional £10m investment in the city over the next five years.

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.”

NE1 is one of the longest serving business improvement district companies in the UK with a remit covering Newcastle’s city centre. When it was first established in 2009, it was the biggest BID company in Europe.

NE1’s purpose has always been to provide the backdrop for economic growth and prosperity in Newcastle and the wider city region.

To date, this has been achieved through capital investment projects as well as public and private sector partnerships and an ambitious vision for the city’s future.

Continuing what has already been achieved is an important component of NE1’s plans for a third BID term together with plans for Newcastle’s Quayside, and improving the city’s digital infrastructure, with plans to prioritise sustainability within the city.

Adrian added: “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 £10m investment for Newcastle’s future.”

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