Outdoor Hospitality Grants

In response to the introduction of 'outdoor service only' restrictions as part of the Covid-19 pandemic NE1 acted quickly to support and encourage as many businesses as possible to operate outdoors. 

After successfully lobbying Newcastle City Council and the North of Tyne Combined Authority, NE1 was able to offer 4 rounds of grants, expanding and continuing the programme over 18 months and to include more diverse businesses across the city. 

Small grants of between £500 and £2,000 in rounds 1 and 2 were awarded to businesses that operated their outdoor space on a Pavement Cafe License. In round 3, grants of between £500 - £3000 were awarded, and in round 4 of the scheme, the criteria was expanded so businesses operating their outdoor service space on private land would be eligible to benefit following feedback from previously ineligible businesses.

As a result of the programme Newcastle city centre's pavement cafe culture flourished and thrived, with creative outdoor spaces created and maintained throughout the city and remaining in place post-Covid. 

More than 4,500 jobs were safeguarded and businesses large and small were able to trade in the face of difficult restrictions, a testament to NE1's agile nature.