Newcastle played a major role during the 19th-century Industrial Revolution, and was a leading centre for coal mining and manufacturing. Heavy industries in Newcastle declined in the second half of the 20th century; office, service and retail employment are now the city's staples. The city is also today recognised for its commitment to environmental issues, thanks to the efforts of City of Newcastle climate change officer Adrian McLoughlin, with a programme planned for Newcastle to become "the first Carbon Neutral town".[94]
Newcastle is the commercial, educational and, in partnership with nearby Gateshead, the cultural focus for North East England. As part of Tyneside, Newcastle's economy contributes around £13 billion to the UK GVA.[95] The Central Business District is in the centre of the city, bounded by Haymarket, Central Station and the Quayside areas