Newcastle upon Tyne, often shortened to Newcastle, is a city and metropolitan borough of Tyne and Wear, in North East England. Situated on the north bank of the River Tyne, the city grew as an important centre for the wool trade and it later became a major coal mining area. The port developed in the 16th century and, along with the shipyards lower down the river, was amongst the world's largest shipbuilding and ship-repairing centres. These industries have since experienced severe decline and closure, and the city today, is largely a business and cultural centre, with a particular reputation for nightlife.