In the news: Councillors agree additional funding to support new creative campus in Basildon town centre
Proposals for a revised budget of an additional £3.7m to deliver the creative centre for screen and digital technologies has been approved by councillors at a meeting of Basildon Council's Cabinet on Tuesday 6 June 2023.
The campus will bring a range of benefits to local residents; including a boost to the local economy by stimulating growth in the creative-digital sector; revitalising parts of Basildon town centre in need of redevelopment; new office and creative space for local entrepreneurs and start-ups; and a wider range of further education and employment opportunities for local people.
The new campus will be developed across two council-owned sites in Basildon town centre: the former British Heart Foundation Furniture Store and the former Robins Cinema.
Cllr Anthony Hedley, Cabinet Member for Business Engagement, Skills and Procurement Oversight said: "The creative campus will provide new opportunities and stimulate new creative-digital enterprises right here in Basildon, and in turn generate new employment opportunities."
"Basildon has the largest and fastest growing economy in Essex. We are a recognised centre of excellence in digi-tech. Developing and maintaining that growth is key. We want to encourage people to learn, live and work right here, in Basildon."
Cllr Jeff Henry, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing, Leisure, Arts and Culture said "I am pleased we have made the decision to progress on investing in creativity and culture to bring forward a new creative campus - a facility for screen and immersive digital industries in the borough.
"The campus will benefit a huge amount of our residents and businesses with a collaborative and productive space that will unlock people's potential for generations to come."
Cllr Craig Rimmer, Cabinet Member for Economic Stimulus and Tourism said "The new campus is a fantastic opportunity for Basildon Town Centre that will see many new visitors, creating a multi-use town centre that all can enjoy, while delivering on our promise of a new creative tech town.
"This will see the two currently vacant sites back in use, generating new life to this area of the town centre. I am excited to see the campus come to life, and for Basildon town centre to benefit from what it has to offer."
For more information on the Cultural Development Fund, visit the Arts Council England website: www.artscouncil.org.uk/our-open-funds/cultural-development-fund-round-three
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Published 7 June 2023
Notes to editor: The Cabinet will meet to agree a partner to operate the facility. If a partner is not secured, the funding will not be used.