Science is coming to life in city

Oct 28 2009 By Andrew Hebden, The Journal

MUCH has been written in the pages of The Journal over the years about the Science City development – not all of it positive.

While few people would take issue with the objectives of establishing Newcastle as a centre of excellence for science, and using this knowledge as the basis for developing outstanding new businesses, there is a perception that the project has been hampered by a lack of progress.

The symbol of that apparent stagnation is the former Tyne Brewery site which, having been purchased at some expense by the Science City partners, has remained empty ever since.

So it was with a degree of suspicion that I attended a briefing last week with Science City chief executive Dr Peter Arnold, chairman Paul Walker and Newcastle City Council chief executive Barry Rowland.

It is fair to say that after an hour in their company, I viewed the entire project in an entirely new light.

In particular, the enthusiasm of Sage chief executive Mr Walker, one of the region’s foremost business talents, was infectious and his commitment to the project clear as he talked of the "groundbreaking" work taking place at Science City.

The Newcastle Innovation Machine, as reported in Monday’s edition of The Journal, is the most exciting element of the project, attracting formidable entrepreneurial talent from across the world to set up new science-led businesses on our doorstep.

And when we were finally introduced to one of the innovation managers – an Indian entrepreneur with a track record of starting successful companies in New Zealand – he really brought to life the calibre of people involved.

What is especially exciting is the market-led philosophy of the businesses being created – this is not simply science for the sake of it but science with the potential to create globally-important businesses.

The focus on ageing and social care in particular is one area to watch in this regard as the firms evolve.

Science City was never going to be an overnight success story but there are real signs that genuine progress is now being made. We can’t wait to report on its exciting success stories.

Andrew Hebden is head of business at ncjMedia