A shared vision to transform Northumberland Street into a world-class retail and leisure destination to rival that of other major European regional cities has been welcomed by local businesses.

NE1 Ltd learnt this week that it has been successful in its bid for £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The award will allow NE1 Ltd to deliver its plans to transform the historic Bigg Market area of Newcastle, restore its historic significance and ensure that it is making its rightful contribution to the city’s economic fortunes now and into the future.

Newcastle is the first city outside of Germany to win the prestigious EU BID Award, presented by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry, DIHK.

Students from 152 different countries will be arriving in Newcastle over the next month and 25 days of celebrations have been organised to welcome them to the city.