Budget proposals A clean, green and inclusive city for all - Yourcouncilmagazine Winter2021 - Newcastle City Council
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Your council magazine Winter 2021 Budget proposals A clean, green and inclusive city for all Inside this issue • Christmas in Newcastle • A climate leader city • Safer Neighbourhoods
Contacting the council
We’re always working hard to improve our online services, so people find it easy to contact us.
You can apply and pay for many of our services online,
Contents Environment – a clean, green
and safe Newcastle
Pages 24 - 25
as well as report an issue using our simple online forms. Christmas Pages 6 - 7
Visit www.newcastle.gov.uk to find out more.
Find out about the festive offer and events taking
It’s quicker and cheaper for most people to contact the
place this Christmas.
council by using the internet, and there is no need to stand
in a queue or wait on the phone.
As our website is available 24/7, you can do business
whenever and wherever it suits you.
Keep up to date Council meetings
with our news and The council holds a number of meetings throughout the year which the
important advice public can attend. These include Cabinet, Planning meetings, City Council
and Overview and Scrutiny meetings.
Want to hear about things as they Meetings held at the Civic Centre can also be viewed online on the
Preparing for our future
happen and keep up to date with the Newcastle City Council YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/ as North East pledges
most recent news and advice? NewcastleCCUK, and at this time we do encourage people to use this community forests.
We use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, method. Please check the meeting agenda for details. Pages 26 - 27
and by following our social media channels, The next Business Cabinet meetings will take place on Monday 17 January
Stay on top of your waste
you can get involved in the conversation 2022 at 5.30pm, and on Monday 21 February 2022 at 5.30pm.
instantly. Maybe you can show your support
collection dates this
City Council meetings usually take place on the first Wednesday of most
to our hardworking staff or tell us what you months at 6pm in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre, or online. festive season.
think about a new service? So, give us a ‘like’ The next meetings will be held on Wednesday 12 January 2022, and on
or a ‘follow’ and stay in touch with the latest Wednesday 2 February 2022. Employment
news from Newcastle City Council. Dates of all meetings can be found at www.newcastle.gov.uk/
councilmeetings. You can view the papers for all meetings at
– creating Health and Social Care –
Facebook: Newcastle City Council
http://democracy.newcastle.gov.uk/ieDocHome.aspx more a healthy, caring city Pages 30 - 31
Twitter: @NewcastleCC
Instagram: lovenewcastle
For more information, please phone Karen Christon on 0191 211 5024 or
email karen.christon@newcastle.gov.uk.
and better Stay well this winter and stay up to date on the
jobs Covid-19 pandemic.
Page 16 - 17
Our commitment to ending male violence against Discover the
women has been recognised as we achieve White changing face of
Ribbon Accreditation. Newcastle with
White Ribbon UK are part of To achieve accreditation the You can find out more about
some of the latest
a global movement to end council and Your Homes White Ribbon UK or make the developments
male violence against women Newcastle have implemented promise at taking place.
and girls. They do this by an action plan that includes www.whiteribbon.org.uk or
encouraging men and boys activities to raise awareness of to find out more about White
to take action and change the aims of White Ribbon UK, Ribbon activities in Newcastle
the behaviour and culture, engaging and educating men visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/
individually and collectively, and boys about their role in whiteribbon.
that leads to abuse and challenging violence against
women and girls, promoting If you or someone you know
violence. By making the
positive and respectful needs help call the Newcastle
White Ribbon Promise people
relationships between men Integrated Domestic Abuse If you are worried about
pledge to never commit,
and women, and encouraging Service on 0191 214 6501, your own behaviour call the
excuse or remain silent about
residents, businesses and the national Domestic Abuse Respect Helpline on 0808
male violence against women
partner organisations to sign up Helpline on 0808 20 00247 or 802 4040. In an emergency
and girls.
to the White Ribbon Promise. visit www.womensaid.org.uk. you should always call 999.
Citylife is produced by Newcastle City Council and printed by Reach Printing Services. Design by Paul Burgess Graphic Design.
Citylife is printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.
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Our Newcastle
News in brief: New website provides information
in one handy place
A new chief A popular website that was
launched following lockdown
executive has been relaunched, offering
those coming into the city
centre and travelling around the
for the city more information and real-
time data to make life easier.
Howbusyistoon.com became an invaluable
council
tool in 2020 when the city centre reopened.
Originally it provided a traffic light system
showing how busy Northumberland Street
was in real-time using CCTV images, so
Pam Smith has been confirmed as the new people could decide how easy it was to
social distance.
chief executive of Newcastle City Council.
In the build-up to last Christmas the site
She will replace Pat Ritchie, who decided was redesigned by local digital agency
to stand down from her role after a very Hedgehog Lab, to show real-time video These include: • The integration of key
successful eight years at the council. stills of Northumberland Street and Grey
• Four additional still video images of the
twitter feeds providing up-to-date traffic
of Adviser Plus and has held a number of local government Street, allowing people to judge for them- and travel information in one place.
Mrs Smith, who is currently the chief executive of Stockport posts across Greater Manchester. selves how busy the city centre was. This city centre, updated every five minutes,
Metropolitan Borough Council, was unanimously recommended making six in total. • Links to Nexus’ information on service
upgrade also provided further information
for the position by a panel that included the Leader of the Mrs Smith said: “I’m really proud to have been given this disruptions and busyness levels.
on car parking capacity and advice on how • A real-time map showing the location of
Council, Cllr Nick Forbes, and Leader of the Opposition, Cllr opportunity to work in a council with a great track record in a • Information on Electric vehicle charging
to keep Covid safe when out and about. every bus operating across Newcastle,
Nick Cott. fantastic city. locations
Funding from the Ministry of Housing, searchable by route number, meaning
Mrs Smith has served as chief executive at Stockport “Newcastle is a city with an incredibly rich history, a proud people only need to look in one place • Information to help people plan walking
community and enormous potential, and I can’t wait to get started. Communities & Local Government’s Local
Metropolitan Borough Council since September 2017, working Digital COVID-19 Challenge has now enabled for this information. and cycling routes to encourage
closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, “I’m excited to be a part of Newcastle’s future and I’m looking further improvements to the site based on sustainable travel choices
• Five still video images of key roads into
where she is the lead chief executive for Age-Friendly Greater forward to helping the city build back strongly from the UK wide user research and feedback. the city, updated every 15 minutes. See for yourself at www.howbusyistoon.com
Manchester, Equalities and Green City Region. pandemic so it can look ahead with optimism. I want to work
She is also a board member of the Stockport Mayoral with colleagues, residents, businesses and partners to provide
opportunities for people of all generations and create a city that
Information Now for
Development Corporation and is Society of Local Authority
Chief Executives (SoLACE) lead for Housing. She was previously is safe and welcoming with a clean, green environment.”
the chief executive of Burnley Council, Chief Operating Officer Mrs Smith will take up her post in early January.
people in Newcastle
Nurses head to Newcastle Do you live or work in Newcastle and want to:
Up to 7,000 new nurses and midwives a year will be coming the national shortage of nurses by getting more qualified more
quickly. Search for local
to Newcastle after Northumbria University was chosen to Discover events and
become a national testing centre. Approximately 30 permanent jobs will be created and this will also Find information organisations
activities near you
The city council and Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS be a huge boost for local tourism and accommodation bookings and services
Foundation Trust worked with the university to submit the bid for as thousands of nurses travel to the city from around the UK.
centre status to the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Professor Debra Porteous, Head of the University’s Department of InformationNOW is the information website to help you stay informed, make choices, plan ahead, be
Newcastle now joins a group of five destinations nationally where Nursing Midwifery and Health, said: “Northumbria University and independent and have an excellent quality of life.
the Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) must be the North East region are renowned for their excellence in health
taken by nurses as part of their Test of Competence before they and life sciences and our partnership with Newcastle Hospitals Visit www.informationnow.org.uk to find out more. Here you can also subscribe to InfoNOW (free e-newsletter),
can be registered to practice. The city’s success will not only and the city council made Northumbria’s bid to run this centre register for free as a member, and update your organisations details.
provide a welcome boost to the region’s economy but help with stand out from the crowd.”
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Christmas
Newcastle’s Christmas Tree
switch-on
Christmas
The Bergen tree will
once again be part of
this year’s Christmas
celebrations in early December. For
2021
over 70 years we have received a gift of a Christmas
tree from the city of Bergen in Norway to symbolise
the city’s gratitude to Newcastle for its support and
friendship during the second world war.
It promises to be a Christmas to
be remembered in Newcastle Quayside Market
as the full festive Newcastle Christmas Lights The famous Quayside
programme is underway. It’s not Christmas in the city until the big light’s switch-on.
Market will be open on Laser Light City The high-powered lasers will be
Saturdays as well as installed at three key locations
With Christmas celebrations halted last Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen hosted which included a visit from the Lord Sundays from 9am to This New Year will see stunning across the city; the Quayside,
year due to the pandemic, the council, NE1 the event that marked the official start of Mayor, Panto Stars and Santa who flew in 4pm in the run up to laser lights fill the night skies Hadrian’s Tower and the Civic
and partners have transformed the city into the festive celebrations in the city. on his sleigh from Lapland. Christmas. across the city. The council, NE1 Centre, making them visible to
a Winter Wonderland to bring the festive and BAFTA award-winning artist people within a ten-mile radius of
It featured live music, street theatre and The Christmas lights will illuminate the Immerse yourself in the vibrant street market that
cheer back. Seb Lee-Delisle are working the city centre, weather permitting.
on stage competitions. city throughout the festive season. stretches from the Swing Bridge to the Millenium
together to bring an interactive The public will be able to take turns
There’s something for everyone in this Bridge along the River Tyne, with independent traders
The event took place on Grey Street laser installation from 30
year’s Christmas programme, from Santa’s selling handcrafted goods, local products and street to curate the laser light show from
December to 1 January. their smart phones via the Laser
Grotto, markets, shopping, laser lights and food.
The dramatic installation will light Light website that will be going
a spectacular fireworks display to round off Grainger Market Santa’s Grotto up the night skies across the city live nearer the time, details can be
the year.
Add a little magic to the festive season with
Ice Skating at Times Grainger Market Sunday opening and its suburbs heralding in the found at
As COVID-19 is still with us, precautions a visit to see Father Christmas in his Grotto at Square and late-night Thursdays New Year. www.laserlight.city/newcastle.
are being taken and people are asked to Grainger Market.
consider wearing a face mask in crowded The open-air ice rink has made Great news for festive shoppers as the much-loved
Bring your little one along for a special meeting a welcome return to the Life
places. People are also urged to test for
with Santa! What better way to start off your Science Centre to get people in
Grainger Market is open on Sundays and open till late New Year’s Eve Fireworks
COVID-19 and stay at home if they have on Thursdays. Rounding off 2021 will be a double fireworks extravaganza on the
festive season than the chance to let Santa the Christmas spirit.
tested positive or displaying symptoms. From 28 November, the Grainger Market will be open Quayside on December 31.
know what you most want this Christmas? The ice rink is back this festive
The events will be a much-needed boost from 11am till 4pm every Sunday until 19 December.
There will be elves making sure the smooth What’s become a tradition in Newcastle, the spectacular shows will
to the local economy, attracting thousands season to January 9. And late night on Thursday 2, 9, 16 and 23 December from
running of this Grotto. take place on New Year’s Eve at 6pm to suit families then a second
of visitors to the city where they can take Whether you’re a beginner or 9am to 7.30pm. show at midnight. People are advised to get there early to grab a good
advantage of the fabulous offer. Santa will be at Grainger Market from Monday expert, you can take to the rink Head down for locally inspired beautiful fresh produce vantage point.
15 November until Christmas Eve. Tickets can under the beautiful multi-coloured that will make this Christmas truly special.
Here are some of the events Listen to live music and enjoy the spectacle as we say goodbye to
be purchased from lights.
taking place in the city: 2021 and start 2022 with a bang!
https://graingergrotto.eventbrite.co.uk
Fenwick Christmas window display Christmas Markets NE1 Christmas Events and Activities Programme
Celebrating 50 years of iconic Christmas displays, Fenwick unveiled You know Yuletide is just around the NE1 will be unveiling its Christmas sites across the city. Winning artwork will
Shaun the Sheep as its theme for 2021. corner when the smell of sizzling events and activities programme over be rewarded with a £250 prize together
bratwurst and mulled wine fills the city the coming weeks which will include with the opportunity to have their
The big reveal was live streamed online centre streets. a number of festive favourites. The designs showcased in the city alongside
on Sunday 7 November, the second year Thursday 2 December will see the popular team at NE1 is already working on its work by commissioned artists, design
it was held online. Thousands of people Christmas Market return to the city centre. NE1 Christmas Windows, which was agencies and local school children.
from around the world tuned in to the
Around 30 Christmas market stalls will launched, to great acclaim, for the first Other NE1 events, including free
live stream.
be set up around Grey’s Monument to time last year. To bring some extra activities suitable for young and old, will
The famous window is one of the biggest create a Winter Wonderland. festive cheer into the city centre, a be announced in the coming days. For
Christmas displays of its kind in Europe. Local traders have been given the competition has been launched to details of all the festive fun happening in
This year’s display shows glimpses of opportunity this year to bring something encourage budding artists, designers Newcastle, visit NE1’s online Christmas
the new Shaun the Sheep film, the Flight The window is now open and will be on special and make it a Christmas to and creatives to submit festive inspired directory;
before Christmas. display until January. remember. designs to grace windows of prominent www.newcastlechristmas.co.uk.
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Our Newcastle
A clean, green,
and inclusive city
The council’s priority is to help the city recover as we slowly emerge from the pandemic.
The last two years have been extremely challenging for us all, our families and our communities.
We are now looking to the future.
Alongside the draft Council Plan, which sets out our priorities, we have
Council Plan
published proposals to try and deliver on resident’s priorities while having
to save £12m next year (2022-23).
We also need to save £12m in 2023-24 followed by another £12m in 2024-25.
Saving £36m over three years won’t be easy especially as it comes on top As we emerge from the pandemic, it’s
of £335m we have had to save since 2010 due to austerity and rising costs. important for the city that the council has
We have published our draft savings proposals and want to know what a plan to show how it will get Newcastle
you think. You have until January 2, 2022, to let us know and we’ve set out a back on its feet.
range of methods by which you can tell us to make it as easy as possible. The draft Council Plan drives the council’s medium
Your views count so please tell us what you think. term financial planning over the next three financial
Council budget explained
years 2022-2025.
Difficult decisions in 2022-23 The Plan aims to achieve three things:
• Work towards the political priorities of the city
• Applying a 1.949% increase in Council Tax Q What is the council’s budget? Q What is my Council Tax and adult social care
• Support the city’s renewal after the pandemic
• Applying the 1% increase adult social care precept to Council Tax A Every year the council has to determine how much money precept spent on?
bills • Continue to deal with the financial challenges it has to spend in the next financial year on providing public A Council Tax is spent on a broad range of council services eg
• Taken together these will add £35.24 a year to a Band A property facing local government services. By law the council must live within its means and bin collections, litter enforcement, education, grass cutting,
and £52.87 to a typical Band D property The Plan will be adopted by full council next March set a balanced budget. social care, planting trees to name a few of the more than
• Reducing spend by £4.45m from Adult Social Care through when it meets to set a balanced budget for the city. Q Where does the council get its money? 200 services the council provides. As the name suggests, the
remodelling services while ensuring adequate support adult social care precept can only be spent on adult social
Deputy council leader, Cllr Karen Kilgour, said: “This A Government grants, Council Tax (a tax on domestic
• Reducing spend by £2.9m from Children, Education and Skills by care services for older people and disabled people.
Council Plan sets out how we will contribute to the properties) and business rates (a tax on business premises).
safely reducing demand and remodelling services
city’s recovery and renewal from COVID-19 to the Other income includes car parking fees, parking fines, rental Q What are council reserves?
• Increasing fees and charges across a range of services including benefit of everyone who lives and works here. income and planning fees to name a few. A Council reserves are funds that the council has set aside for
parking, financial services, pest control, bulky and garden waste
“It sets out how the council will move forward with Q What does the council mainly spend its money one-off items of spending. Some reserves are earmarked for
collections specific statutory purposes and can only be spent on certain
our plans to meet our own net zero ambitions, to on?
make life more local with a strong emphasis on things eg housing and education. Unearmarked reserves
A By far the biggest area of expenditure is adult social care are for one-off unexpected pressures. While there is more
neighbourhoods, and to clean up the air we breathe
followed by children’s social care and education. Also, bin
Have your say: and improve the environment.
collections, waste disposal, environmental services and
flexibility in how they are spent, Newcastle’s unearmarked
reserves are relatively small - £10.1m or 4.2% of next year’s
“It shows how the council will continue to protect public health to name a few. net budget.
This year there are various ways you can give us your views.
adults’ and children’s services, welfare rights and
You can try our online budget simulator which allows you to set your homelessness support.
Q What is revenue spending and capital spending? Q What are the budget milestones?
own spending priorities for the council. To access it go to: What’s the difference? A At their meeting on November 22, Cabinet agreed to start
https://www.letstalkbudget.org.uk/ “As a council we remain focussed on supporting the A Revenue spending is the amount of money the council consulting with the public on its draft budget proposals.
Join the discussion on Let’s Talk Newcastle Online: building of thousands of new homes, attracting new spends on day-to-day services during the year. Capital Consultation end on January 2, 2022. Cabinet will consider
www.letstalknewcastle.co.uk/ businesses and jobs and making our city a healthier spending is usually “one-off” and results in the construction the findings of the consultation and any changes to the draft
or send an email to: letstalk@newcastle.gov.uk place to live and work.” or improvement of an asset eg roads, schools, housing, budget at their meeting on February 21, 2022 and refer the
Alternatively write to us at: FREEPOST Let’s Talk The Plan is available on the council’s website computers etc. By law the council is not allowed to use budget to City Council for debate and approval on March 2.
www.newcastle.gov.uk/budget2022 www.newcastle.gov.uk/budget2022 capital funding on providing services.
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Our Newcastle
Newcastle retains status Factory workers are as toasty
as global climate leader as a sausage roll after bosses
Newcastle has retained its status as one of the world’s “climate leaders” for its ongoing efforts to
received the BEST energy
achieve net zero by 2030.
The city is one of only 11 places in the UK to rating almost doubling, fewer than one in However, net zero is something that can
receive the top “A” grade from international 10 cities received the top grade. only be achieved by everyone coming
saving advice from Newcastle
climate research provider CDP and one of A spokesperson for CDP said: “Newcastle together to reduce our carbon footprint,
only 95 globally. and the other 94 cities on this year’s A mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate
Having first achieved the accolade in 2020 List are also celebrated for showing that change and grasp the opportunities of the
we are incredibly proud to have retained urgent and impactful climate action - from new green economy.
our top grade from the organisation
which is the global gold standard for
environmental reporting.
Tackling the climate emergency remains
ambitious emissions reduction targets to
building resilience against climate change -
is achievable at a global level, and in cities
with different climate realities and priorities.
We know the road to net zero will bring
major benefits for residents both now and
in the future.
And by maintaining our CDP A rating it
City Council.
the great challenge of our age and this very “However, this action needs to go further shows we continue to take the lead in Marine window blind maker Solarglide moved into the Stottie Shed at
much reassures us that we are on the right and faster to meet the new targets agreed reducing greenhouse gases, building
track. at COP26. resilience to the impacts of climate change,
Gosforth’s Baker’s Yard – the former home of Greggs – in January 2020 but
Over 1,000 cities disclosed their climate Newcastle City Council declared a climate grasping the opportunities of the new knew their new home would need investment.
data through CDP in 2021 and to reflect the emergency in 2019, with a commitment to green economy and creating pleasant,
level of ambition needed to achieve 1.5°C sustainable communities in which to live. And following a free energy audit Typically, where a property like the The BEST project was funded by
drive down the city’s carbon emissions to
targets, the bar for entry to the A List was net zero by 2030, 20 years ahead of the UK We will continue to benchmark ourselves from the council’s Business Energy Stottie Shed - has no gas supply, a £670,000 from England’s European
this year raised. Government’s target. against, and potentially work with, cities Saving Team (BEST) they were helped company would use oil fired space Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
To score an A rating, a city must disclose across the world who are tackling similar to access grants for efficient, low heaters or temporary gas heaters, as part of the European Structural
Along with other major organisations,
publicly and have a city-wide emissions including Newcastle Hospitals and the challenges, to hopefully maintain this high carbon heating. but this “convective” method can be and Investment Funds Growth
inventory, have set an emissions reduction city’s universities, the authority is working to standard for years to come. Company managing director Paul costly and inefficient. Programme for 2014 to 2020.
target and a renewable energy target for deliver the far-reaching change necessary And we will look to harness the momentum Pringle said: “We knew we’d need to Instead Solarglide were advised It carried out over 210 energy
the future and have published a climate in every part of the city. from COP26, building on the vast amount invest in a solution to heat the new
action plan. by BEST – which is funded by the audits for small and medium sized
The ‘Net Zero Newcastle – 2030 Action of good, collaborative work that is already
building, and an introduction to the European Regional Development businesses, helping them to leverage
It must also complete a climate risk and Plan’ sets out the scale of the challenge underway.
BEST programme came just at the Fund (ERDF), as part of the European nearly £420,000 in matched funding
vulnerability assessment and have a and over 100 measures residents, To find out more about Newcastle’s net right time. Structural and Investment Funds for energy improvements and cut
climate adaptation plan to demonstrate businesses and organisations can work zero action plan, and how you can get
how it will tackle climate hazards. together on to achieve ambitious climate involved, visit “As a business we are committed to Growth Programme for 2014-2020 - to more than 610 tonnes of greenhouse
Despite the number of cities receiving a targets. www.newcastle.gov.uk/netzero reducing our environmental impact use electric radiant panel heating. gas emissions.
and it made sense to invest in the That works by emitting infrared The main BEST programme has
radiant heat technology, which radiation, which is then absorbed now finished however businesses
Schools are going green with work now underway to not only helped to minimise our
environmental impact, but also was
directly by people and objects,
bypassing the need to heat the entire
based in Newcastle are still able to
take advantage of free energy audits
decarbonise some of Newcastle’s largest public buildings. the best option to reduce our energy
costs.”
space and greatly reducing the through the scheme until March 2022.
energy requirements.
Earlier this year we secured The project, which also includes To find out more about how your
During their energy audit the firm,
around £30 million from the measures like new LED lighting, To part fund its installation, the business could benefit visit
insulation and heat pumps, will overall
which designs, manufacturers and
Government funded Public Sector company was supported to www.best-ne.co.uk
reduce the schools’ reliance on gas by supplies solar screens, roller blinds,
Decarbonisation scheme for eco- successfully apply for a £3,841 grant.
more than 80 percent, cut the demand wipers, curtains and adhesive films
upgrades to 38 sites, also including for cruise ships, naval and commercial Coupled to savings of over £3,700
for power by over 265,000 kilowatt hours
libraries, leisure centres and cultural (kWh), and generate over two million vessels and yachts, including those in energy costs, and over 29 tonnes
venues like the Theatre Royal. kWh of electricity. owned by major global brands like of carbon per year, the investment
Now the first of them are having solar That will in turn save hundreds of Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise in new heating will have covered its
panels installed, including St Mary’s thousands of pounds in running Line and Carnival, were offered a costs within 12 months.
Catholic School, Walker Riverside costs and be the equivalent of taking range of potential options to reduce
Academy and Sir Charles Parsons School. thousands of cars off the roads. their costs and carbon footprint.
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Employment – creating more and better jobs
Support your local Safer, healthier and sustainable
journeys to school A new leisure
high street heroes We’ve been working with
schools and communities to
look at how we can make the
centre for the
this Christmas! school run better for our kids
and for our planet.
A major part of this is about reducing
Outer West
With Christmas fast approaching, why not car journeys and enabling more
A new state-of-the-art leisure centre with
swimming pool is to be built in the Outer
support your local high street when buying your people to walk, scoot or cycle to
school. West after the council was successful in
presents, food or decorations by shopping local. ways we can work together to clean bidding for Government money.
We’ve been carrying out a series
Our high street heroes play a Shopping locally really makes of temporary School Streets trials – up the school run by reducing car
The £20m investment - part of the Government’s
key role in our neighbourhoods a difference and keeps people where the road outside a school is journeys wherever possible.
levelling-up agenda – was announced in October
and we are urging everyone to in work in your neighbourhood closed at drop of and pick up times This will link in with the work we 2021 as part of Chancellor Rishi Sunak’s budget.
show their support and shop and helps local communities to keep the area clear of traffic and are doing to develop low traffic The bid, led by Catherine McKinnell MP, will give
local this festive period. thrive. parked cars. neighbourhoods, which include safer the community a brand-new leisure centre with a
There are a number of fantastic Even if you just set aside some We’re looking at the feedback routes for children to walk, scoot and new sports hall, swimming facilities, fitness centre,
independent retailers in high of your Christmas budget to from these trials so that we can cycle. You can read more about low café, library and community space, replacing both
streets across the city, including shop local – you could make a understand any issues and consider traffic neighbourhoods on pages 14 the West Denton Leisure Centre and West Denton
Heaton and Ouseburn to the real difference. how we can ensure School Streets and 15. Swimming Pool.
east, Jesmond and Gosforth to are successful across the city. Pictured above: Children at
And don’t forget, there are lots The breakthrough is welcome news for the area
the north and Arthurs Hill and of wonderful new restaurants We’ve also joined schools and Lemington Riverside Primary after West Denton Pool failed to reopen following
Fenham to the west, where you and bars popping up in local education trusts in the city in signing School, one of the schools involved the pandemic. Operator GLL, who will offer £3m
can pick up unique and special areas, which are well worth up to an agreement to look at other in the School Streets trial along with the council for the new facility, will
gifts that you wouldn’t find trying too for socialising during continue to run the centre once it opens in 2024.
in a major retailer, as well as the festive period.
delicious food offers!
Please remember to shop
E-scooters now available in more areas Alison Westworth, Partnership Manager for GLL in
Newcastle, said: “We’re looking forward to working
You could make a day out of it Did you know that since the start of the e-scooter trial in February
safely – sanitise your hands, with the city council on this flagship development
and really explore what is on people in Newcastle have travelled over 400,000 miles on one of as part of our ongoing leisure contract and bringing
make space and wear a face
your doorstep or neighbouring covering in crowded spaces, to the city’s Neuron e-scooters? new and exciting opportunities to the area”
high street. Each high street keep protecting each other. Around a third of those trips have
is unique and different so it’s Consultation on the new facilities will begin before
replaced a car journey, resulting in the end of the year with community discussions set
worth exploring what is on offer Here are some of our High
a reduction in carbon emissions of up with residents, schools, sports clubs and users
in other areas in the city. Street heroes in Heaton and
around 33 tonnes. to collect as much information as possible to help
Fenham
A recent survey showed that the inform the design.
e-scooters are often used as an
effective solution for ‘last mile’
journeys, with 60% of rides being
combined with another form of
public transport.
We’re really pleased that so many
people have found the e-scooters There are over 57 additional
to be a convenient and sustainable parking stations in the new areas,
way to get around. which are highlighted in the
And from November, we and Neuron app and clearly marked on
Neuron extended the area where the ground to help ensure people
you can use the e-scooters to now park responsibly at the end of their
include Ouseburn, Heaton, Byker, journey.
Arthur’s Hill and Elswick. All riders must agree to the safe
There are restrictions in some riding rules when they sign up to
areas, including slow zones, no use the Neuron e-scooters – which
ride zones and no parking zones come with an integrated helmet –
to help ensure the safety of riders and reminders are given to people Image credit: GT3 Architects
and others. every time they hire a scooter. and Kristen McCluskie Photography
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Employment – creating more and better jobs
Making changes in our city to create safer,
cleaner and greener neighbourhoods
Our city is committed to tackling climate change, cleaning up the air we breathe
and creating a more liveable city – one that puts people first. Fenham How the schemes
This is why we are developing plans to improve
neighbourhoods across the city, aimed at reducing
Proposed changes in Arthur’s In Fenham we are
proposing changes work
traffic on local streets. With less cars cutting Hill, Fenham and Heaton on streets such When we develop proposals for local areas,
or speeding through streets, the area is more as the junction we will let residents living there know about
We’ve sent information to residents living in the
attractive and safer for people who live there and of Queensway the proposals before we install them. This
areas below about some proposed changes to
for children to play out. This also encourages more and Kingsway, is to gather their feedback and to raise any
their local area which include:
people to walk and cycle on short local journeys, Gowland Avenue, potential issues or ideas they may have
- Introducing new crossings Nuns Moor Road
which is good for everybody. before we finalise the scheme.
- Trialling the closure of through routes to vehicles and Hadrian Road.
Making these changes will help to create safer, Once the changes are implemented on a
by using large planters or bollards to restrict
cleaner and greener neighbourhoods. This Hadrian Road in trial basis, we then have a six-month public
access in certain places
can have a big impact on tackling air pollution, Fenham consultation for people to tell us whether
reducing congestion, improving residents’ health - Extending the city’s E-scooter hire scheme into
this area the changes should be made permanent,
and wellbeing and increasing safety on residential and whether any other measures are
streets. - Introducing ‘School Streets’ that mean people needed to make it work better.
can’t park outside schools at pick up or drop
By using planters or similar changes to restrict
vehicle access at key points on some streets, we
off times for Westgate Hill Primary and Hotspur
Primary.
Heaton We know there’ll be things we can improve
or need to change which is why we make
can reduce the number of vehicles using local In Heaton we are proposing changes on streets such as Ouseburn Road, changes on a trial basis. This means that
streets, rather than sticking to more appropriate Heaton Road, Mowbray Street and introduce a School Street at Hotspur Primary people can try out the changes and give us
main roads.
Every home and business in the area would still be
Arthur’s Hill School. their views before we make a decision on
making them permanent.
accessed by vehicle. This means that people living In Arthur’s Hill we are proposing changes on
there, delivery drivers, refuse trucks or emergency streets such as Stanhope Street, Sidney Grove
vehicles would still be able to access every and introduce a School Street at Westgate Hill
property. Primary.
We’re also working with schools to improve safety Working with
for children getting to and from school with the
introduction of School Streets, which restricts cars the emergency
stopping outside schools at the start and end of
each school day. services on our
We believe that changes like this can make a big
difference. Not only to how people decide to travel proposals
on short local journeys, but also to how people feel
about their neighbourhood. They also create closer The emergency services are always
communities by providing more space for people consulted and feed into the design of all
to enjoy, opportunities to chat to neighbours and schemes to ensure that emergency vehicles
children to play out safely. Local shops become will continue to have access to all properties.
more attractive as they’re easier and safer to access. It is important to note that when attending
Read on to find out more about the first of these an emergency, all blue light services stick
schemes which we have developed for Arthur’s to main routes and only access residential
Hill, Fenham and Heaton. We are developing plans streets closest to the property they need
for lots of areas across the city and we will write to get to. This is due to the speed, size and
to residents to let them know about plans for their weight of the vehicles when attending an
local neighbourhoods. You can also find out more Stanhope Street in Arthur’s Hill Ouseburn Road in Heaton emergency. This is a key part of their training.
at www.newcastle.gov.uk/neighbourhoods
Find out more at www.newcastle.gov.uk/neighbourhoods
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Employment – creating more and better jobs
Renewing a city for the future Helix
Newcastle Helix, on the former Scottish
Our development sites are regenerating the city and creating thousands of new jobs. and Newcastle Breweries site is making a
Here’s an update on four of them. significant contribution to the economy. A
24-acre innovation district is home to more
than 70 different organisations specialising
Pilgrim Street Stephenson Quarter in science, research, medicine, technology,
The area behind Central Station is one of the city’s most fin-tech and the creative industries. It has
historically important sites, housing buildings which in some come a long way since 2005 when the
cases date back hundreds of years. The City Council has then Chancellor Gordon Brown conferred
formed a joint venture company with PfP-igloo Limited to Science City status upon it. The Spark is
regenerate 4.3 acres of brownfield land in this area known its latest cutting-edge building, hot on the
as Stephenson Quarter after the railway pioneer Robert tails of The Lumen which are both large
Stephenson who built steam engines there for export all popular commercial property spaces
over the world. Over the next seven years, around £100m attracting the attention of global occupiers.
will transform seven plots into a mix of leisure, office and The site also boasts the award winning
residential uses with associated public spaces. It includes Catalyst which is home to the National
the restoration of listed buildings at the heart of the industrial Innovation Centre’s for Data and ageing
revolution such as the Pattern Shop where Stephenson built – and The Biosphere which houses life
his locomotives in the 1800’s. It’s being painstakingly and science businesses in the forefront of the
sensitively restored and converted into high-end flexible office fight against COVID-19 COVID-19, cancer
space for cutting edge companies that will drive the next and other serious diseases. Helix brings
hi-tech revolution. This second phase complements the first together industry leaders, businesses and
phase which saw the construction of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, top researchers helping us live smarter,
The Rocket office development and car park, the University healthier and longer lives. It’s a high-
Technology College and the Boiler Shop. quality mixed-use development that has
created 2,000 jobs and is about to begin
its residential element with 400 new homes. A 24-acre innovation district creating 2,000 high quality jobs
Forth Yards
West of Central Station, the Forth
Yards area has the potential to
transform the city, expanding
it westwards over the next 10
A new gateway to the city - 14-storey Bank House offices to 15 years. The 21 hectares,
Work is now well underway on a 14-storey office previously largely inaccessible
development on the former Bank of England site at the to the public, are earmarked
bottom of Pilgrim Street. The glass-fronted building is the to become a brand-new
first phase of Pilgrim Place which will provide over 400,000 neighbourhood with homes,
sq ft of new offices. It will not only generate employment green space, leisure and offices
opportunities but provide a new gateway into the city from in a balanced sustainable way
across the Tyne Bridge. Behind that site developers Taras within an approved development
Properties are also building another two office blocks, 10 framework. New pedestrian and
and 12-stories, in a scheme which will see the restoration of cycle routes and an access road
historic buildings such as Worswick Chambers. In addition will open up the area making it
plans have recently been approved for the conversion of available for development. Plans
the former Pilgrim Street fire station, built in the 1930s, for the redevelopment of the
into a five-star hotel. Taras Properties are also proposing a various sites in this area are being
nine-storey office block as part of a development known progressed with its prominent river
as Pilgrim Quarter that could accommodate up to 6,700 side location attracting a lot of
staff. The £200m luxury leisure, shopping and living project interest and with the potential to
could provide a major stimulus to the city’s economy. In provide around 2,500 homes and
the meantime, Stack Newcastle will continue to make its 1,250 jobs it will yield significant
The Pattern Shop where Robert Stephenson built steam
popular offer on the site. economic benefits. An impression of new homes in the Forth Banks area
locomotives
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Employment – creating more and better jobs
City centre transformation update Proposed traffic
changes in the city
The City Centre Transformation Programme will deliver a cleaner, greener heart of the city that
will benefit people for generations to come. The programme focuses on a collective of streets and centre
spaces that will each provide a different role and experience within the city centre. Thank you to everyone who
took part in our recent public
We’ve been consulting on
consultation on proposed changes
our proposals since the
to how people and vehicles might
end of 2020 and have been
use different parts of the city centre.
working hard to finalise the
construction programme This included potential changes to
bus services – particularly those that
for streets where funding
currently stop on Blackett Street, New
has been secured, including Bridge Street West and the northern end
Ridley Place, Saville Row, of Pilgrim Street – as well as changes to
Northumberland Street and on-street parking, taxi rank locations and
Grey Street. servicing and delivery arrangements.
Northumberland Street will The changes we set out are designed
be transformed into a simple, to support the transformation of the
elegant and welcoming city centre, by helping to create a more
environment interlaced with people-friendly and welcoming space.
trees, greenery and places Your feedback will help us to
to sit. Informal performance Ridley Place will play home to an We will be encouraging retailers, food understand different views on the
spaces will add to the richness independent community. It will and drink operators in the ground floor proposals and help us decide whether
of the street, making this serve as an incubator space for new units, whilst looking at residential and we need to make any changes before a
a place to spend time and businesses and independent shops, commercial uses on the upper floors final decision.
discover more than shopping. cafés and bars, with a unique culture of the buildings. Permanent feature
and spirit that will create a new lighting will support the evening We’re currently looking at all the
The proposed design changes destination for those in the city. economy, capturing footfall that is feedback we received and will update
reflect its rich history, with currently lost in the evenings. The area you on the findings once it has all been
elements taking inspiration We will be reducing the impact of
will be a canvas for street art with a considered.
from medieval symbolism. In parked cars on the street, allowing
people to enjoy the space and creating bohemian spirit that encapsulates the
medieval times, the street was
a major city thoroughfare within
were produced and exported.
The design pays homage to
colours, are directly reflected
in elements of the proposed
features of the street – takes
direct inspiration from the Holy flexibility for markets and pop-ups. energy of the street. Proposed changes
Golden Age of Northumbria, this. Carpet pages from the new paving. The lighting – Island Causeway crossing to to city centre parking
when the Lindisfarne Gospels gospels, with their patterns and one of the most striking new Lindisfarne.
Grey Street, Europe’s most elegant street, integrating green space to create a rich charges
will see the quality of its public space experience for all. We are continuing to
elevated to be more in line with and work with businesses as we explore the We’ve set out plans for changes to
Saville Row will pay homage to one
supportive of its outstanding architecture. requirements of all who use the street car parking charges from next year
of Newcastle’s most famous sons –
Thomas Bewick. His statue adorns 45 We want to reduce the impact of and how we can continue to support in Newcastle.
Northumberland Street, which looks vehicles, with a wide paved pedestrian businesses as we work together through The proposals are to extend evening
directly onto Saville Row, and the City boulevard which will aid hospitality with ongoing challenges caused by the charging for car parks and on-street
Library houses some of the largest space for alfresco dining, as well as pandemic. bays until 10pm in the core city centre
collections of his work. He is perhaps area and to switch to the standard hourly
most well-known for his illustrations for A rate for parking in car parks on Sundays.
History of British Birds, and his work has
inspired many of the concepts that we are Next steps in the programme The proposals do not include the car
park at Claremont Road or the Manors
looking to introduce. We are delighted to have secured £20m of funding from the and Quayside multi-storeys.
Dynamic lighting, new paving and new Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which will help to secure the future The plans are aimed at managing
street furniture will encourage activity. of the Grainger Market and Old Eldon Square. We will begin consulting demand for parking and supporting
Lighting will be installed within the more widely on these areas shortly and look forward to hearing measures to improve air quality and the
Saville Row tunnel. Commercial kiosks feedback on our proposals. switch to more sustainable travel.
will be installed and there will also be
In the meantime, we expect the first works to begin at Ridley Place, followed by We’ve published the legal notices
the potential for a canvas for arts, with a
Saville Row, Northumberland Street and Grey Street. We are continuing to work setting out the proposals and any
mural to encourage the green identity of
with the businesses along these streets to ensure the programme aligns with feedback will be considered before a
the space.
their needs and minimises disruption, especially during a busy Christmas period. final decision is made.
18 Follow us on Twitter - @NewcastleCC Find us on Facebook - www.facebook.com/newcastlecitycouncil 19Education and Skills – the best learning opportunities for all
Children and Newcastle’s SEND services found to have
Families Youth Fund improved in three out of four areas
Local Offer
relaunch
Newcastle Earlier this year, the Newcastle Youth Fund launched to give
young people a direct say in the design, assessment and
Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published a report in June 2021
on how much progress Newcastle has made to improve services for children
Our Education and Skills
launches evaluation of youth provision in their localities and will help to and young people with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND)
Directorate has recently
launched an updated version
since their inspection of SEND services in 2018.
Children and Families Newcastle, shape the city’s post COVID-19 recovery. of its Local Offer website.
the city’s new collaborative The report was based on their three-day inspectors including the determination of the
The Local Offer contains all the
visit to Newcastle in May 2021. They found partnership to ‘get it right together’ and work
approach to bringing services and information about services and
that Newcastle has made sufficient progress closely with parents and carers, children and
activities that are important to activities available for children
in three out of four areas identified in the young people to ‘co-produce services’. They
children, young people and their and young people with a special
original inspection: strategic leadership, joint found that this has resulted in an ambitious
families together in localities. educational need and all the
commissioning and co-production, but that the inclusion strategy, collaborative commissioning
information that parents and
This launched on 1 June 2021 with city needs to accelerate progress in identifying arrangements, and new systems to ensure we
carers may need.
official celebration events held in the impact of its work on improving outcomes improve the quality of our work.
August at the Galafield Centre and for children and young people with SEND. Bringing all this information in
The inspectors acknowledged our ambition
Byker Sands. one place helps parents and
Inspectors pointed out that the leadership for children and young people with SEND, that
Colleagues from health, the council carers discover the services and
of SEND arrangements has strengthened in we want them to have a voice; be safe, happy
and the community and voluntary support that is available to them.
Newcastle since the last inspection and is and included; be well cared for; and be ready
sector have worked together to based on a more genuine and committed for the world of work. View the Local Offer at https://
develop the new Children & Families partnership including with the parent and If you are interested in getting involved in the www.newcastle.gov.uk/
Newcastle approach. carer forum. Parents and Carers Forum please contact localoffer
Vibrant hubs across the city will A number of strengths were recognised by Contact@NewcastlePCF.co.uk.
provide friendly safe spaces with
services for babies, children, young
people and families. The activities
offered will be shaped by input from Competition winners rewrite
the future of Newcastle
the local community, including health
visiting, family support, community
midwifery, mental health support,
Four budding young storytellers have won a unique
children’s therapies, youth provision,
training opportunities, childcare and writing competition by penning their own vision for
Through the Youth Fund, youth organisations were eligible to apply for funds of the future of Newcastle.
employability services.
between £10,001 – £25,000,to run youth projects in four localities across the city for a
The hubs also link with smaller duration of up to 12 months. Each young person won the way the city’s children
organisations and services across their a tablet computer which and families services across
local area, including the voluntary The fund is aimed at provision 13-19 year olds – and up to 25 for young people with was presented to them by Newcastle and as part of the
sector organisations and schools to special educational needs (SEND). Cllr Paula Holland, Cabinet City Council’s new approach
create a network of buildings in each member for Education and to supporting young people,
Alongside the Youth fund there is also a new Rapid Response Fund that will be
locality. Skills, at a ceremony at helping them to realise their
available to invest in short-term interventions in response to youth related issues.
New Family Partners will also work Newcastle City Library on potential and live healthy,
closely with children, young people The total investment in youth services will increase by 90% to £555k – across the Wednesday 6 October. happy lives.
and families to help them navigate new Youth and Rapid Response Funds. the ending to show their reimagined the end of the
As part of Newcastle City Every week during the
services available to them and work Our new Youth Panel has been established as an integral part of funding decisions Council’s Holiday Activity summer workshops, led by vision for the city book Dinosaur Chase and
with organisations providing help. for the new fund. Each year the Youth Panel will assess bids for funding supported Fund programme and the storytellers David Silk and • Create a Geordie Superhero drew a picture of main
Find out more at www.newcastle. by independent facilitators and council officers. Summer Reading Challenge Mica Hard, handed out reading with powers to make character Fin soaring like a
gov.uk/services/care-and-support/ in partnership with Newcastle packs and delivered fun Newcastle a great place for bird over a clean and green
22 young people were supported to be part of the Panel with training, development
children/getting-help-children- Libraries, young people craft and superhero activities children to grow up Newcastle
and accreditation opportunities, so they have the confidence and capability to make
and-families/children-families- decisions appropriate for each locality. from across the city were across the city. • Tabitha Erswell-Evans, aged
The four winners were selected
newcastle invited to join in storytelling Anyone under 25 could submit 11 and Martha Erswell-Evans
As well as learning about the commissioning process the Youth Panel also supports by the Council’s Voice and
sessions and take part in an their views in two unique ways, Influence team and are – aged 7. Tabitha and Martha
the young people’s own personal development, skills and knowledge. online competition to share rewrote endings to Elfie the
and to enter the competition: • Jamie Smurthwaite, aged
In September, 19 young people attended a workshop at the Civic Centre to review their views on the future of • Select a book as part of the Rebel and The Cup Cake
8. Jamie made a film about Caper showing how people
bids and share their views on how the fund should be awarded. Newcastle in creative ways. summer Reading Challenge, his vision for the future of can come together support
Funding decisions for 2022 were announced in October and more details can be All submissions have been under the theme World Walker Park
used as part of the ongoing Wide Heroes, set the story local libraries and clean up
found at www.newcastle.gov.uk/get-involved/grants-and-funding/newcastle- • Jack Dowling, aged 7. Jack
consultation to help shape in Newcastle and re-write Leazes Park.
youth-fund
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