When we work together, we beat the biggest and the best

Mar 23 2007 By Nicholas Craig, The Journal

However much Newcastle surges forward, it is becoming obvious that when it combines with Gateshead it reaches the critical mass it needs to be noticed.

Newcastle is much bigger in influence than its physical size, but it is not weighty enough to attract the biggest investors or funding. The more global the world economy becomes, the more it needs places with critical mass.

Culture and tourism have benefited from a joint approach, and now the economy of the wider city is being boosted by the Newcastle Gateshead partnership, which could lead to a City Development Company.

The joint approach is also behind the drive to make Newcastle Gateshead a `knowledge city'. It is already a thriving student city, and the next step, to create and nurture knowledge businesses, builds on the perennial attraction of the city to students.

It is said that Newcastle and Northumbria universities earn more in real terms for the city than shipyards ever did. If higher and further education are put together, around one in seven people in the city of Newcastle are students. The spending of students, researchers, lecturers and administrative staff, the demand for accommodation, and the potential long-term presence in the region of talented, qualified graduates provides a massive boost for the economy.

Science City aims to create strong, commercial links between universities and businesses, and opens up opportunities for new specialist investment.

By straddling the Tyne, the CDC, which is planned to drive forward the Science City site, reinforces the strength of Newcastle and Gateshead working as one unit.

It was culture that acted as an economic lubricant to the partnership, pouring oil on the water between Newcastle and Gateshead, and now greasing the wheels of powerful new wealth-generating developments.

The success of the cultural programme resulted in the city being identified as the arts capital of the country in a national TV poll in December.

Way above London and Liverpool (9th and 10th) the study found that we have spectacular architecture, the second highest number of theatres in the country and excellent libraries and bookshops.

When we work together to get it right, we beat the biggest and the best.