• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Monday January 20 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Government names West of England as priority area for creative industries

The West of England has been named as one of 11 ‘priority regions’ for the creative industries by the government, which is seeking to use the sector to ‘turbocharge’ economic growth.

At an economic growth summit in Gateshead on Friday, which was attended by the likes of Netflix, Spotify, Warner Bros, the National Theatre and the British Museum, culture secretary Lisa Nandy also announced that the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority would be one of six mayoral combined authorities that will receive additional creative industries funding.

There was also a cash boost for four specific projects in the UK, including one in the West of England.

The Tropicana in Weston-super-Mare (pictured) has been awarded £2.7 million of a £16 million funding pot to complete the final development phase of the Grade II listed seafront complex into a flagship cultural centre.

North Somerset Council, which owns the derelict seafront lido, will use the money to improve and fit out indoor and outdoor spaces before seeking an operator to take a 20-year lease on the facility.

And there was good news for smaller projects in the West, which won £175,000 of funding under the Create Growth programme. They include:

• Bristol 24/7 CIC, Bristol, £29,625
• Cahootify Ltd, Bath, £28,348
• Future Joinery Systems Ltd, Bath, £29,972
• Pocket Dimension Ltd, Bristol, £30,000
• Stagescreen Limited, Bristol, £30,000
• Stormjar Ltd, Bristol, £26,921

“From film and fashion to music and advertising, our creative industries are truly world-class and play a critical role in helping us deliver on this government’s mission to drive economic growth in all parts of the UK,” said the culture secretary.

“Our £60 million funding boost will support creative and cultural organisations across the UK to turbocharge growth by transforming local venues, creating jobs, supporting businesses and spreading opportunity across the country.

“But this is by no means the limit of our ambitions, which is why the creative industries are at the heart of the forthcoming industrial strategy and will continue to play a key part in this government’s plan for change.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves added: “Our number one mission is to grow the economy and our creative industries are a British success story with a big part to play.

“Building on our plans to boost our AI sector, this is another step as we go further and faster to deliver growth so we can put more money in people’s pockets.”

West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “The West of England is rightly celebrated as a global leader in culture and creativity.

“From being the birthplace of Banksy and Wallace & Gromit to pioneering advancements in 360-degree video and cutting-edge design, creativity is woven into the fabric of our region.

“This £175,000 funding will not only support innovative firms like those in Bristol and Bath to grow and scale but also open up more opportunities for our talented communities.

“Plus, our priority region status will unlock untapped potential to create new jobs, grow local businesses, and ensure culture remains at the heart of our region’s identity.”

Latest: Tropicana set to become ‘nationally significant’ culture hub