New quarter has a vital role in ongoing evolution of Newcastle

Feb 27 2008 by Graeme King, The Journal

Diversity pulls in talent

The Discovery Quarter ought to be part of a wider effort to establish Newcastle as a truly cosmopolitan place to be, says Lyndsey Milburn.

IS Newcastle a “cosmopolitan city”? Cultural yes, but I think many people would not go so far as cosmopolitan– particularly when compared to other UK cities.

However, we should be aspiring to use such language to characterise our city – and the redevelopment of the Discovery Quarter is the perfect opportunity to conduct this renaissance.

There are certainly many benefits to living in a cosmopolitan environment, including personal, community and economic development.

Steps are being taken to construct this metropolitan ideal. Downing is currently underway with the development of a mixed-use scheme at the former Tyne Brewery site, part of Newcastle City Council’s initiative, Science City.

As we progress as individuals, our society progresses and a region that can offer cultural diversity attracts people to it.

Diversity acts as a magnet for talent and promotes innovation, which in turn can propel economic growth.

The biggest economic benefit of diversity is that it stimulates new ideas, which are the source of most economic growth, which in turn pays for good schools, hospitals and other public goods that we value.

So, when developing the Discovery Quarter, what can be done to add to Newcastle’s cosmopolitan reputation? We need to build a city that attracts a wide range of people.

The support for new businesses as well as the investment being ploughed into the area should attract a sophisticated audience.

The regeneration of the Discovery Quarter should also build on the strength of existing cultural hubs such as The Centre of Life, Chinatown, Dance City and St. James’s Park. By focusing on strategies of broad appeal we can make those who have left the region to go south to think seriously about moving back to the city.

The Discovery Quarter’s mixed-use regeneration initiative should be used as an opportunity for the growth of a cosmopolitan city, region and community.

Lyndsey Milburn is a senior surveyor at DTZ in Newcastle.

PAGE THREE: Solutions must cater for the future