City spells out future jobs hope

Newcastle is set to receive a jobs and housing boost by 2021

Thousands of jobs are set to be created in Newcastle over the next few years, according to councillors.

Newcastle City Council has set out its vision for the future of the city for the next 15 years.

This involves plans for up to 30,000 new jobs, many based around a proposed science centre and others relating to retail developments.

There would also be 15,000 new homes built, mainly on brownfield sites, to house the growing population.

Population increase

Council leader John Shipley said of the job figures: "Clearly you can never control the UK or the world economy, but these look to us a possible figure to secure.

"They relate in part to Science City, but also to plans for retail development such as the extension to Eldon Square, and next year's Pilgrim Street development between New Bridge Street and Swan House roundabout."

Councillor Shipley added that, while the jobs would cover all levels of skills, one of the aims was to encourage students to remain in the city once they had graduated.

He also said that the population of the city was increasing after a period of depopulation and that he was confident about plans for new housing.

"The housing numbers are as definite as can be because they are fixed within government figures and the Regional Spatial Strategy. So they are certain to be achieved by 2021."