Partner Article

Economy lifted on Angel's wings

The North East’s economy has been boosted over the past ten years by the presence of the Angel of the North, according to Gateshead Council.

The Angel was praised for its positive affect on tourism and for promoting and creating a new identity for the area.

Gateshead Council’s study examined the impact of public art on regeneration, and concluded that visitor numbers, business start-ups and employment would not have increased as fast without the impetus given by the sculpture.

About 400,000 people visit the iconic sculpture each year, and its success has helped the council attract an estimated £145m in lottery funding.

The report acknowledged that it was difficult to direct link things like jobs and revenue to a free attraction, but also stated that the Angel had heralded a “new beginning and formed a vital component within a broader package of measures.”

Councillor Mick Henry, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Building the Angel was a brave and innovative move and this report demonstrates how much the sculpture has done for the region. While it’s very difficult to measure the success in purely commercial terms it’s clear that a new spirit of confidence coincided with the Angel coming to Gateshead.”

Peter Udall, head of design at Gateshead Council said: “This awesome work of art has undoubtedly led to an increase in investment, more businesses and more jobs. The Angel kick-started a huge process of investment and redevelopment in Gateshead, demonstrating to the whole world that we could comfortably deliver ambitious projects on time and within budget.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .