Newcastle
Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dating back almost 2,000 years, Newcastle-upon-Tyne has been controlled by the Romans and the Anglo-Saxons to name but two. In fact, it had some part to play in almost every significant event in British history – notably the Industrial Revolution where it was a powerhouse in the production and export of coal.
Throughout the centuries, Newcastle has been renowned for its architecture with much development in the 1830s being thanks to Richard Grainger and John Dobson. More recently some of the Tyneside classical architecture has been restored; this has coincided with a significant amount of investment and development.
A hub for innovation and investment
Newcastle-upon-Tyne is the commercial hub for the North East and has a number of major employers including several universities and global organisations such as Sage and Accenture. Corporate activity in Newcastle’s Central Business District contributes a vast amount to the city GVA which is reported to add around £13 billion to the UK total.
Many parts of the city are benefitting from significant regeneration to monopolise on the obvious potential of the location. Notable areas include the Stephenson Quarter, a mixed-use scheme that is said to have so far generated 900 jobs; and the Newcastle Helix – home to a range of businesses and a hub of scientific research and innovation.
Good transport routes in and out of the city are key contributors to the appeal of these current locations and a thriving student culture serves only to further boost the regeneration for years to come.
Culture
From a cultural point of view, Newcastle is a city that really does have it all; from the vibrant nightlife that attracts a permanent influx of visitors to the secluded hidden gems popular with the locals.
The city boasts multiple independent cinemas and a number of galleries and museums. This includes the iconic Laing Art Gallery, a New Bridge Street venue and Grade II listed building that was funded by Alexander Laing, a Newcastle businessman in 1901.
There are a number of sites of historical significance including the Castle Keep, which is the only city-based structure of its kind still standing. It is also perfectly located for day trips further afield; notably the Northern Pennines and Northumberland National park. Incidentally, you’re inclined to find parts of Hadrian’s wall dotted all around the city.