Go to any bar in London's Soho and you're almost certain to overhear a heated conversation between a film director and their agent or catch the tail end of a casual creative discussion between an advertising copywriter and a graphic designer. This is no coincidence, for between the bars and the clubs of this unique corner of the capital city are the offices of advertising agencies, production companies and effects houses.
The Hastings Media Centre promises to create a similarly sophisticated ambience in our very own Robertson Street. Drawing its inspiration from developments in Brighton and elsewhere in the country where new businesses are 'incubated' and encouraged to collaborate with other local firms, the centre will be sited close to the United Reform Church. Three terrace properties will be merged into one to form a hub for creative media industries and a welcome boost to business trade and the evening economy in the Trinity Triangle area.
With the installation of broadband facilities and a perfect environment for those out-of-office creative thinktank sessions, the centre is expected to attract designers, film and video producers, internet developers and other creative workers.
programme of support and research for creative businesses. Networking events have proved useful with 45 companies attending the most recent at St Maryin- the-Castle. A register of creative businesses has been set up making it possible for professionals to be directed to possible partners or employers. A full conference is also planned in Autumn 2002.
The South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) is managing the project and, providing funds are approved, building work is scheduled to begin in the Spring.
Working with a wide range of organisations including Ten Sixty Six Enterprise and Hastings Trust, the Media Centre is also being linked to the town's overall aim to encourage new entrepreneurs and provide support through an 'Enterprise Gateway'.
The Media Centre will be linked to other office and factory units and business services both across Hastings & St Leonards and throughout the region.
Councillor Mike Bigg, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Tourism, said of the project,
"Hastings already has a thriving creative community and a large number of creative businesses. Recent research found that there are over 160 creative firms and 200 artists in the town, and we of this important part of our local economy. The Centre is one of the projects featured in the Hastings and Bexhill Task Force's Five Point Plan and the site will be a temporary base for the Regeneration Shop - a place where residents and visitors to the area can find out more about regeneration plans for the town."
The exact nature of the Media Centre and the services it will provide are being worked up at the moment and local creative firms are being invited to contribute information and ideas to make sure the project meets their needs.
Anyone interested in taking part in this consultation or wishing to join the register of creative businesses and learn more about networking events and the conference, should call Hastings Borough Council's Creative Industries Development Officer Sarah Elderkin on 01424 781775 or e-mail creativeindustries@hastings.gov.uk
|
New Media Centre? The former Frontier Music shop in Robertson Street, Hastings.
|
 |
Back to top of page...
< Full Beam Ahead! | Changing Elections >
This page last updated: 17/10/2002