Partnership promises to create a better west

Mar 20 2008 By The Journal

A NEW partnership has been formed to ensure that people of all backgrounds are given as much help as possible to benefit from the proposed development of a Campus for Ageing and Vitality in Newcastle’s West End.

Plans for the campus, on the site of the Newcastle General Hospital, include a 60,000sq ft Tesco Regeneration Partnership store, creating 350 jobs. One of only 20 in the UK and unique to Tesco, it will offer unemployed people in the area places on its training schemes with a guarantee of a job in store.

Tesco has joined forces with the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, Newcastle New Deal for Communities, Age Concern, Fairbridge, Tyneside Cyrenians and Newcastle Futures to form A Better West partnership. The partnership will help local people overcome barriers such as lack of training and confidence, aiming to help long-term unemployed people back to work.

A spokesperson for Tesco said: "This development represents a genuine opportunity for members of the local community, both in terms of better services and facilities, and with regard to jobs and future careers.

"Tesco is looking forward to working with our partners in A Better West in order to provide as many opportunities through our investment as possible for people in Newcastle’s West End."

Commenting on its involvement, David Allison of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals Foundation Trust, said: "The plans to develop a Campus for Ageing and Vitality are very much about making a positive and realistic contribution to the regeneration and wellbeing of the West End – we are committed to maximising the benefits of the development for local people."

Elizabeth Scott, economic development manager at Newcastle City Council, said: "It is important that the public and private sectors work together to deliver long-term advantages for the local community – we look forward to working with partner organisations to ensure that this happens."

Following a public consultation programme held during the summer, more than 60% of local residents who fed their opinions back believe the campus to be a good thing for the West End of Newcastle. Employment opportunities, revitalisation of the area, and much-needed facilities that it will bring were cited by many as primary benefits to the development.

Talking about Newcastle Futures’ role, Gillian Hewitson, managing director, said: "We are proud to be a part of A Better West – the work of the partnership builds on the aim of our organisation where we look to make a significant improvement in employment rates, with a particular focus on the most disadvantaged in the community."