The Leader of Newcastle City Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to make Newcastle the UK's most successful regional capital.
Cllr Colin Ferguson was named Leader in May following the local elections that saw the Liberal Democrats form a minority administration.
Since the election, councillors of all political colours have been contributing to a new Council Plan setting out a vision for the council for 2026 to 2029.
The new strategic plan will be discussed at a meeting of Cabinet next week before being subject to a vote at a meeting of full council in October.
But the document outlines an ambitious plan to make Newcastle the most successful UK regional capital – going toe-to-toe the likes of Manchester and Liverpool.
The Council Plan was shaped by feedback from more than 10,000 residents, partners and stakeholders through Newcastle's Big Conversation.
It also sets out six priority outcomes focused on creating great neighbourhoods, healthier lives, thriving communities, quality homes, sustainable economic development and a financially sustainable council.
Cllr Ferguson, who represents the Gosforth ward, said: "I have called the North East home for more than 20 years and I am proud to be Leader of this council.
“This has always been a city with ambition and in the early 2000s cities across the country were looking enviously at our regeneration and economic growth.
“Somewhere along the way we lost that ambition and for too long, when people talk about the fastest-growing economy outside London, they talk about Manchester.
"Manchester's success should be recognised and celebrated, but there is no reason why Newcastle cannot achieve the same success and go even further.
“This isn’t just about transforming a city skyline, it’s about building on what makes us so great, our communities.
“We are a city of innovation, learning, culture, creativity and opportunity. We have every reason to believe that our best days are ahead of us.
"This Council Plan sets out a clear ambition for our city. We want Newcastle to be the place that attracts investment, creates high-quality jobs, develops new industries, nurtures talent and becomes the destination of choice for ambitious businesses and entrepreneurs.
"We are not interested in being compared with other places and accepting second best. We can lean into our strengths in the knowledge economy, sports and culture, and the incredible warmth and welcome that makes Newcastle distinctive, to outperform on expectations.
"This vision belongs to everyone. I want to thank all political parties for working together with us to get to this point.
“Delivering this will still take determination and long-term thinking, across all parties, but Newcastle has never lacked ambition.
“Together, we can create a city that is recognised nationally and internationally as a place where people, businesses and communities thrive."
The council says the plan will guide decision-making, investment and service delivery over the next three years.
Six strategic objectives will ensure resources are focused on the issues that matter most to residents.
It will also see feedback from more than 10,000 residents as part of Newcastle’s Big Conversation that took place in early 2026.
The Council Plan will be discussed at the meeting of Cabinet on September 21. It is expected the plan will then be voted on at the meeting of full council on October 7.