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Twenty-year blueprint for region’s future

TODAY sees the launch of a 20-year plan which aims to kick-start the region’s economic recovery and ensure Tyneside’s future prosperity.

Proposals will be set out for the development of major sites in Newcastle and Gateshead which have been outlined as key to Tyneside’s economic development.

As well as drawing up plans for Gateshead Quays, the Ouseburn cultural cluster, and Science Central - the project site set to transform the former Scottish and Newcastle site – business leaders will also set out a blueprint to continue the development of the region’s knowledge-intensive economy.

It also aims to build on research at Newcastle and Northumbria Universities and develop the North East as a leader in low-carbon technologies.

It calls for investment in the skills of the workforce and sets out proposals for attracting and retaining skilled people, including graduates of the universities.

The 1PLAN economic and spatial plan will be launched by development company 1NG, alongside its supporters Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, One North East and the Homes and Communities Agency.

1NG chair Lord Charles Falconer said: “Everyone knows these are challenging times for the economy and it’s more important than ever we have a clear assessment of our position and a clear strategy for the future.

“We cannot wait for things to improve, we need to act decisively. Responsibility for each of the 10 Key Steps in the 1PLAN – the 10 practical actions over the next three years - has been allocated and the people and organisations are in place to roll out the action plan in the autumn.”

An audience of around 200 influential business, education and public-sector figures from across the region will attend the launch at The Sage Gateshead’s Hall 2 today.

Keynote speakers attending are Lord Charles Falconer, chair of 1NG, Jim McIntyre, 1NG CEO, Cllr Mick Henry leader of Gateshead Council, Cllr John Shipley leader of Newcastle City Council and Alan Clarke chief executive of One North East.

Read bdaily tomorrow to find out more about the 20-year plan.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .