One of the most influential figures in the worlds of politics and commerce has been appointed as Chair of the City Development Company for NewcastleGateshead.
Former Housing Minister and Lord Chancellor Charlie Falconer will lead the new organisation which is tasked with realising the vision for Gateshead and central Newcastle by coordinating a major economic development programme to transform the area.
The Company, which is backed strongly by Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council and One NorthEast, is dedicated to attracting business to Gateshead and Newcastle, and growing businesses already here. It reflects the strong partnership between the two places, and the increasing physical connections which span the Tyne.
Speaking about his appointment, Charlie Falconer commented:
“I am very pleased to have been asked to chair the City Development Company. Gateshead and Newcastle have both come so far over the past ten years. You can see it with your own eyes and there are great developments in prospect.
“I really want to achieve something for Gateshead and Newcastle. They are committed to working together and the CDC can deliver real progress for the area based upon this partnership. It’s a challenge, but I’m sure we can produce results.”
Councillor Mick Henry, Leader of Gateshead Council added:
“This is a critical appointment in our push to drive forward the pace and quality of economic growth and we are delighted to have attracted such a well respected, talented individual who shares the CDC partners’ ambitious vision. We are confident that Lord Falconer will bring high levels of insight and acumen to build the credibility of our proposition for Gateshead and Newcastle.”
Councillor John Shipley, Leader of Newcastle City Council added:
“We have a number of world class developments such as the Discovery Quarter, the Ouseburn and the Baltic Business Quarter which will benefit from this new strategic approach through the CDC. Both Councils have long agreed that to be successful we need to work together to promote business productivity and innovation. By appointing Lord Falconer to provide leadership on a national and international stage, we have taken another very important step to achieving our goals.
Alan Clarke, chief executive, One NorthEast, added:
“We’re pleased Gateshead and Newcastle have attracted such a high calibre chairman and it is testament to the shared ambition of the CDC’s core partners to really step up a gear in transforming the area’s economy through effective development and growth strategies.
“The CDC’s first task will be to oversee the production of the area’s Economic Masterplan which will be a blueprint for action, coordinating key economic and physical projects to bring in new investment and business. Lord Falconer will oversee that important work.”