Plans progress for cargo and logistics hub at Newcastle Airport

Receiving £60,000 to further develop its bid, the local authorities will compete against the likes of Sheffield, Blackpool, and Portsmouth to claim a £10m prize.

City Investment Funds were just the start of chancellor Rachel Reeves’ announcements on Tuesday for reshaping the Northern economy – she also teased additional fiscal devolution measures that would provide mayors with control of some of the national tax income.

Spades are finally in the ground at the much-delayed project, which was originally due to complete in 2024. 

Building Design Northern will invest around £7m into the site between Mill Dam and Harton Quay, with proposals including multiple food and drink operators, a tap room, and entertainment and event spaces. 

Bucking the trend of bank closures, the financial institution has chosen Commercial Street for its new Yorkshire store and Pilgrims Way for its North East offering.

Real estate firm Whitesmocks is bringing forward 232-bed Melbury Court, located off Old Dryburn Way to the north west of the city centre. 

The housebuilder was granted permission for the phase of 160 homes off Fisher Lane in February, bringing the number of properties it will have built in the town to 546.

After almost 40 years in the industry, including 20 at the Newcastle-based real estate company, Pearson is downing tools from his partner role leading the firm’s office and retail team.

With the dust just beginning to settle on MIPIM 2026, managing partner Dino Moutsopoulos joined deputy editor Dan Whelan to look back on a busy week of networking events, interactive panels, and front-line news and ponder what next year has in store for the North of England and Scotland when their delegations return to Cannes.