Newcastle sets out bold vision to become the most successful regional capital
Councillors in Newcastle have agreed an ambitious new plan to make Newcastle the UK's most successful regional capital.
The plan has been developed since the election of the new council last May with councillors from all political groups contributing to its development.
The strategic plan sets out the ambitions of the council for the next three years and will underpin everything the council is doing over that time.
It outlines a vision to become the UK’s most successful regional capital and six priority areas to ensure that implementing our ambitious vision benefits residents in every post code in the city.
Leader of Newcastle City Council, Cllr Colin Ferguson, has thanked councillors from across the chamber for working collaboratively to agree the document.
He has led a Liberal Democrat minority administration since the May local elections. The previous administration had failed to persuade councillors to agree a new Council Plan.
But the document outlines an ambitious plan to make Newcastle the most successful UK regional capital – going toe-to-toe the likes of Manchester and Liverpool.
The Council Plan was shaped by feedback from more than 10,000 residents, partners and stakeholders through Newcastle's Big Conversation.
It also sets out six priority outcomes focused on creating great neighbourhoods, healthier lives, thriving communities, quality homes, sustainable economic development and a financially sustainable council.
Cllr Ferguson, who represents the Gosforth ward, said: "I have called the North East home for more than 20 years and I am proud to be Leader of this council.
“This has always been a city with ambition and in the early 2000s cities across the country were looking enviously at our regeneration and economic growth.
“Somewhere along the way we lost that ambition and for too long, when people talk about the fastest-growing economy outside London, they talk about Manchester.
"Manchester's success should be recognised and celebrated, but there is no reason why Newcastle cannot achieve the same success and go even further.
“This isn’t just about transforming a city skyline, it’s about building on what makes us so great, our communities.
“We are a city of innovation, learning, culture, creativity and opportunity. We have every reason to believe that our best days are ahead of us.
"This Council Plan sets out a clear ambition for our city. We want Newcastle to be the place that attracts investment, creates high-quality jobs, develops new industries, nurtures talent and becomes the destination of choice for ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs.
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