This project requires the purchase of a site within the Cultural Quarter Masterplan in order to provide a Creative Business Centre in the town centre as part of the Cultural Quarter development.  It will provide space for co-locating creative businesses, aggregating the benefits of shared services, such as reception, meeting rooms and exhibition venues.  EEDA has also confirmed their interest in part funding this project and European funding bids for the refurbishment and initial set-up and running costs are well advanced.

Scope of the Project

The purchase and refurbishment of a new larger Creative Business Centre within the Cultural Quarter site area, creating job opportunities, new businesses and networking opportunities to the wider creative community.

Aim of the Project

The cretion of a unique service and venue for creative industries which will have strong physical and virtual links to the visual arts facility and adjacent cultural quarter.

The facility will provide:

• A focus for micro and small creative businesses in Colchester and the surrounding region.
• Flexible showcase studio areas.
• A hub for the wole cultural quarter providing a focus for enterprise activities in the creative sector.
• A sustainable building capable of commercial operation.
• Close collaboration with Firstsite.

Outcomes of the Project

• Creates new jobs
• Creates additional users to the Cultral Quarter.
• Creates new homes.
• Brownfield land reclaimed/redeveloped for soft end use.
• Delivers enhancements to the historic environment, distinctive landscape character and existing strategic linkages.
• Addresses identified negative perceptions with the area.
• Provides clear evidence of long term sustainability.
• Clear plans for promotion, evaluation/dissemation of results.

Status

Funding for 2008/9 (reallocated) £250,000

IDP Package: Colchester Town Centre