Newcastle Science City plans 'unrealistic'

Oct 17 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

GORDON BROWN’s vision of transforming Newcastle into a world-leading Science City has been dismissed as unrealistic by economists, who accuse the Government of not making a long-term commitment.

The Prime Minister said four years ago Newcastle was to be a leading city in the knowledge economy he envisaged.

But a review of North business by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has said the project is “unlikely to meet the expectations” for change in the regional economy. While Newcastle Science City has made national headlines for its success so far, including groundbreaking stem cell research, the money to support it has been secured through a process one politician said was akin to begging for scraps.

The OECD report suggests success may be limited to a small change in parts of Newcastle and will fail to achieve the widespread growth in hi-tech jobs first predicted. Last night Newcastle Central MP Jim Cousins said though he was sure money would be forthcoming for Science City work, the “entire project appears to have been very badly led”. He said: “We were promised jobs and business would be up and running by now, but we do not even have a proper business plan.”

The OECD review of innovation in the North had mixed messages, praising some work at Newcastle Science City, but saying projects were being held back by lack of funds. It said: “If the intent is to develop truly world class science cities in the North, then dedicated strategies and resources are required.” Regeneration experts have warned the “excellent work being done at Newcastle is at risk due to a lack of long term funding”.

City leaders say they may have to go cap in hand to the European Union to invest in the Government-initiated idea.

Science City recently unveiled a £700m masterplan to redevelop the former Newcastle Brewery site in Barrack Road.

Head of Newcastle City Council regeneration scrutiny panel Nick Kemp said he supported Science City but agreed the OECD had pointed out “difficult points we have to tackle”.

There was funding for a business park, but expectations for much more. “But what the OECD have indicated is the concerns in the region that this may turn out to be a white elephant, and that would be tragic for us.”