When someone thinks of a city that could hold the title of “the best in the world”, a few come to mind. From stunning places like Rome and Barcelona to more modern metropolises like New York and London, there’s a lot to choose from. But, some say you need to look at the north of England to find the most desirable city. 

Yet that’s the case for locals in a UK city, once accused of underselling itself, that is now proudly being hailed by local leaders as “the best in the world.” Newcastle has launched a renewed push to boost its profile both nationally and internationally, with council bosses determined to put the city on the map and attract more visitors, investment and attention.

“Newcastle is the best city in the world and we need to start telling people that,” said Labour councillor Karen Kilgour, who leads Newcastle City Council. 

In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, she admitted the city had been “far too reticent” in promoting itself, but insisted “everything is coming together at the right time” for a “Geordie renaissance”.

Newcastle has enjoyed a cultural boom in recent months. 

From Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup success and the huge trophy parade, to hosting the MOBO awards and a growing food scene, there’s a sense of renewed energy across the city.

Council Chief Executive Pam Smith, who joined from Greater Manchester in 2022, described the city as “the Goldilocks city - it is just right for everyone”.

She praised Newcastle’s affordability, architecture, and mix of coast and countryside, adding: “There is a real heart and a magic to the city and you only find that out when you come here.”

According to ChronicleLive, both Smith and Kilgour want to position Newcastle as the “epicentre of a Northern revival”. 

But they’re clear about preserving what makes it special. 

“I love Manchester, but I don’t want Newcastle to become Manchester,” said Coun Kilgour. 

“Newcastle doesn’t need to be like anywhere else or copy anywhere else, because we are Newcastle.”

Plans are in place for further regeneration, including work on derelict sites like Quayside West. 

But Kilgour said she wants to avoid turning the city into a “sprawling metropolis”, instead focusing on maintaining its “distinct, quirky neighbourhoods” such as Heaton and Ouseburn.

One key development that could help boost the city’s reputation is the long-awaited conference centre and 12,500-seat arena on the Gateshead Quayside - a project that’s faced repeated delays. 

“It is important,” said Kilgour. “It would be a real asset  and we are very happy to work with [Gateshead] to make sure it happens.”

The council hopes the time is right to shout louder about the city and its strengths. 

“Manchester is very good at shouting about how good Manchester is,” Kilgour added. “Newcastle is better and we need to tell everybody that.”