Legal firm will guide pioneer city project

Apr 1 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

WATSON Burton has been appointed legal advisor to Newcastle NE1, which will manage the Newcastle Business Improvement District (Bid), which comes into force today.

Last year businesses in Newcastle city centre voted to establish the biggest and, arguably, the most ambitious Bid in the world.

Its aim is to deliver a series of practical measures designed to enhance the city centre and encourage more visitors to the area. These include the creation of “pocket parks”, cleaner streets, better events and signs as well as more focused marketing.

Newcastle NE1 chief executive Sean Bullick said: “The establishment of Newcastle NE1 Ltd is important for the continued success of the area, it will provide a voice for business and, through environmental and security enhancements and improved marketing, a better business environment.

“The establishment of the company is a key time for us, it is important that we have everything in place as we approach the operational phase of the scheme.

“After speaking to and working with a number of law firms we felt Watson Burton were the best firm to advise us during this period and in the coming years.

“They have impressed us with their efficiency and expertise whilst establishing the company and they have the resources and experience to provide advice in the many areas of law we will encounter. A key factor in appointing Watson Burton was their combination of legal expertise and commercial direction.”