DEVELOPMENT & PLACE

I value realism and pragmatism. If a project or event isn’t working it’s better to stop and use the energy to do something else. It is people who make cities work and … to really achieve things you need to work as part of a team. Is development on the ground also important? Of course. That kind of transformation is the physical manifestation of investment and we know that people like to see new things. However, we also want to help set the agenda so other people turn round and say: “look what they’re doing in Newcastle”. Does that mean you’ve been checking out other cities? Yes, we really like the way property owner BIDs work in Hamburg. The Germans have made great use of them to invest in a street-level way, such as Neuer Wall. We also very much admire the way Gothenburg is promoting itself through a five-minute YouTube video which concisely sets out the city’s blueprint for prospective developers and investors. Back in the UK, one of the emerging themes for city centre regeneration is the value of culture (see feature, p.06) Is that something that NE1 has discussed? Certainly. We have very high regard for the role that culture plays. One reason I’m very confident about our plans for Bigg Market is that it sits next to both the Cathedral and the Castle; so it’s in the cultural heart of the city. You have a degree in fine art (from Newcastle), which you gained after a 25-year stint as an officer in the Royal Artillery. Has that background been helpful when you recently took over the chief executive role at NE1? It is people who make cities work and what my previous experience has taught me is that you can only achieve so much by yourself; to really achieve things you need to work as part of a team. How does it feel to be leading a team that will potentially have a significant impact on Newcastle’s landscape? It’s really exciting. Howmany jobs are there where you have a whole city centre to work with? While our mantra is to do everything to the best of our abilities, I also value realism and pragmatism. If a project or event isn’t working it’s better to stop and use the energy to do something else. Talking of events, does NE1 have any new ones up its sleeves? We don’t have a Christmas offer of any note and we need one. We’ve been to Nordic countries to see what they do, so in future our plan is to really ramp up Christmas in Newcastle. www.newcastlene1ltd.com Above: Newcastle's famous Bigg Market, Below: Kiln Cafe Clifton Village, Bristol Quick Questions » What do you love most about Newcastle? The loyalty to the city and friendliness of local people. » Tell us about a hidden gem in Newcastle… Any one of the independent businesses in the city who are small but definitely gaining pace. » What is your favourite UK city & why? Bristol – my daughter’s at university there at the moment. » Key ingredients for a great ‘place’? Somewhere that works for everyone, has a mixed offer, looks good, is well managed and easy to get around. » Favourite European city break destination? I’m going to Barcelona in a couple of weeks, so ask me when I get back! » City break strategy: detailed itinerary or wing it when you get there? We’ll find a good place to have a coffee on the first day and then figure out what we’re going to do. 12 13 CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD DEVELOPMENT & PLACE