Newcastle Labour has welcomed the continuing transformation of Newcastle Helix into a major new district for research, innovation, homes and employment.
The former Scottish and Newcastle brewery site is being redeveloped through a partnership involving Newcastle City Council, Newcastle University and Legal & General.
For many years, this large city-centre site presented Newcastle with both a challenge and an opportunity. Through long-term planning and cooperation, it is now being brought back into productive use as a place where researchers, businesses and public services can work together.
Newcastle Helix will support activity in areas including data, urban innovation, sustainable development and healthy ageing. These are fields in which Newcastle already possesses considerable expertise through our universities, health services and growing technology sector.
The development illustrates our Labour administration’s approach to regeneration. We are using council land, planning powers and partnerships to attract investment while supporting the creation of skilled employment.
Our aim is not simply to fill the site with new buildings. Newcastle Helix must contribute to the wider economy, create opportunities for local businesses and help residents acquire the skills required by new employers.
The partnership will continue working to connect the development with employment and education programmes. We want young people and residents from communities across Newcastle to see a route into the opportunities being created.
Progress at Newcastle Helix also strengthens the regeneration of the surrounding area and supports our ambition to retain more graduates and skilled workers in the city.
There remains much to deliver, but the transformation already underway demonstrates what sustained public leadership and strong partnerships can achieve.
Leader of Newcastle Labour, Cllr Nick Forbes said:
“Newcastle Helix is turning a major former industrial site into a centre for research, innovation and skilled employment. Labour has worked with Newcastle University and Legal & General to secure investment and create opportunities that can benefit the whole city.”