Environment and Leisure

A city's environment is the primary interface between the residents and local government. We live and breathe it every day. If we cannot maintain the “Commons”- our parks, streets, and air- it signals a deeper institutional issue. 

Tackling “Broken Windows”

We believe that the physical state of our city directly affects the social fabric. While the "Broken Windows" theory (that visible signs of crime, antisocial behaviour, and civil disorder create an environment that encourages more of the same) is often debated, our approach is purely practical: a clean environment benefits everyone. 

• We will ensure bins are emptied, back lanes kept clear, streets are clean, and planters are full of life. This makes the outdoors a nicer place to be and encourages people to occupy their environment, bringing health benefits and encouraging active travel. 
• We will link our environmental goals with our culture portfolio, partnering with arts organisations to bring displays, exhibitions, and performances into better-maintained public spaces.

Radical Decarbonisation

The Council must lead with purpose and commit to delivering on its Net Zero commitments. 

• We must meet existing targets for the Council's own assets. We will explore opportunities for carbon-credit backed decarbonisation. 
• We will ensure the Council is fully conversant with the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), to leverage every available tool for city-wide transition. 

Infrastructure Creating Options

Infrastructure should not lock people into any mode of transport. We must design the city for the way people want to live and travel, providing a range of options and facilitating choice. 

• We will end the siloed thinking that leads to housing developments without adequate transport links. We will ensure a "joined-up" approach between highways and planning to deliver high-standard cycling infrastructure alongside good quality bus routes, to ensure there are options alongside taking the car.
• We will work with neighbouring authorities to ensure traffic ingress doesn't negatively impact Newcastle’s air quality, particularly on major routes like the Coast Road.

Revitalising the Beating Hearts of our Communities

Our high streets should be more than retail units. They must be the beating hearts of local communities.

• We will make it easier to convert vacant units into community hubs—providing spaces for everything from healthcare and post offices to youth clubs and creative workspaces.
• We will invest in high-quality pedestrianisation, better lighting, and more public seating to ensure our town centres are safe, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone, day and night.

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