Thames Estuary Production Corridor A framework for North Kent & South Essex FINAL REPORT Emma Wilcox Associates September 2018 CONTENTS Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................1 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................4 2 Creative Industries Production – an opportunity for growth for South East LEP .....................................6 2.1 Creative Industry Profile ..........................................................................................................................6 2.2 Strength, assets and potential in North Kent and South Essex ..................................................................7 2.3 Policy Context ..........................................................................................................................................9 2.4 Momentum ........................................................................................................................................... 10 2.5 Towards the Case for Investment ........................................................................................................... 10 3 A framework for South Essex and North Kent ....................................................................................... 11 3.1 Refining the PROPOSITIONS ................................................................................................................... 11 3.2 Identifying PLACES ................................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 Identifying and developing the PROPOSALS ........................................................................................... 14 3.4 Framework ............................................................................................................................................ 15 3.5 Projects.................................................................................................................................................. 16 3.6 Enablers and Drivers .............................................................................................................................. 21 4 Conclusion and next steps ..................................................................................................................... 23 4.1 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 23 4.2 Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................. 24 APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................... 25 A1 Policy Context ........................................................................................................................................ 25 A2 How the work was delivered .................................................................................................................. 28 A3 Bibliography ........................................................................................................................................... 35 Executive Summary Since 2010, the number of creative businesses in the leisure and cultural offer. Creative entrepreneurs wider SELEP area has grown by 30.5%. The can utilise spaces that were abandoned by proportion of creative industries in the total SELEP traditional industries in decline. business base is growing as well, accounting for 9.6% of total businesses in 2015, compared to 8.5% Alongside the need for workspace and housing, a in 2010. skilled workforce will underpin success. 100,000 people work in creative jobs who live across the However, growth is below the national average, estuary, whilst the total number of creative jobs in suggesting that the SELEP region is failing to the estuary is 55,000. This provides a significant maximise its obvious potential given its proximity untapped workforce to draw on, gives confidence to and connectivity to London. The region risks missing investors and demonstrates significant creative and out to other high profile and well supported areas cultural potential. such as the Northern Powerhouse. TEPC offers an opportunity to establish the estuary The Creative Industries is the UK’s biggest growth as a globally significant super-cluster for creative sector. Over 1.3m people work in the creative and cultural production, building on existing economy across the South East alone, and it is strengths. It will enable emerging clusters of locally- estimated that 1.2 million new workers will be based creative entrepreneurs, to scale up, diversify needed in the sector over the next decade. and innovate to meet the needs of industry. However, the South East’s preeminent position as a world capital of creativity is under threat as TEPC will differentiate its offer to a range of creatives, artists and entrepreneurs lack appropriate constituents: infrastructure for expansion. § For policy makers - provide clear evidence of the Loss of workspace is a significant threat coupled value and importance of this sector and its with the increasing lack of affordable housing, specific requirements, highlight the policy particularly in London. Research by the GLA in 2014 barriers, propose and influence solutions. found that over 30% of current London studios § For creative industries and practitioners - would disappear within five years. support to access finance, be responsive and nimble, open doors and make the case, consider The Thames Estuary Production Corridor vision delivery vehicles for sustainable workspace. addresses this urgent need. § For investors - set out a clear, evidence based, compelling and engaging narrative, change The estuary offers competitive land and property mindsets about the estuary. Provide support to values, buildings ripe for repurposing, coupled with unlock difficult sites. the quality of life offered by its countryside, coast, 1 § For developers - give them confidence in the The draft framework: sector, demonstrate the benefits, show tangible results using case studies and exemplars. § Identifies PLACES where the most traction and § Refines the PROPOSITIONS which are specific to § For stakeholders - support wider ambitions for potential could be demonstrated. Basildon, South Essex and North Kent. Creative Enterprise. placemaking, economic growth and skills Chatham, Ebbsfleet, Margate, Southend and Innovation and skills for growth. Creative development. Align with broader policies and Purfleet demonstrate particular strengths Industries in placemaking objectives, bring creative solutions. § Is informed by testing and sifting PROPOSALS as § Initiates a PROJECT PIPELINE with close to 40 they emerged projects to support, test and develop further. TEPC aligns with national and regional spatial, economic and creative industry policy priorities; TEPC Vision: A world class centre for production – leading global innovation, developing talent and cultivating most recently the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission’s final report endorsed the Thames world changing ideas Estuary Production Corridor. This alignment of national policy and local opportunities has Untapped Excellent World Class Local Talent Pool Placemaking Driving Growth accelerated buy-in, TEPC is supported by all 18 local Potential Connectivity Clusters authority Chief Executives in the Thames estuary area, recognising that it is a vital programme to: § Meet a national demand Innovation Creative Industries in § Continue to deliver international impact PROPOSITIONS: Creative Enterprise and skills placemaking § Contribute to rebalancing the economy for growth § Find new uses for old land § Strengthen and develop skills § Fulfil the region’s potential ACTIONS: § Tell a new story about the estuary § Attract long term investment § Plan strategically across geographies Strengthen and build clusters and networks DEVELOPING TEPC PROJECTS: § Create vibrant, energetic new places NORTH KENT AND SOUTH ESSEX The report presents a summary of findings, analysis and evaluation, moving towards a distinct vision for Support planned projects TEPC in South Essex and North Kent. It sets out what TEPC means for this region, bringing the vision to Identify future life for policy makers, creative businesses, opportunities stakeholders and future investors. It underpins and informs SELEP’s contribution to the Case for Investment, which consultants Regeneris are developing for the entire TEPC area. Clearly identified Places Locally informed Proposals 2 This report was commissioned by SELEP, Kent County Council and Thurrock Council, supported by a steering group comprising partners from SECEN, Essex County Council, Kent County Council, Thurrock Council, Thames Gateway Kent Partnership and Opportunity South Essex. The strength of the partnerships, working across the estuary between North Kent and South Essex and with London colleagues is vital to TEPC future success. 3 11 The Thames Estuary Production Corridor (TEPC) studios, fashion manufacturing hubs and music vision1, launched in 2017, set out a clear ambition production centres, there is a need for large, state Introduction for the Thames estuary to become a world class of the art facilities with high