Member Article

Gateshead gets creative to boost economy

Gateshead Council has joined forces with designer Wayne Hemingway to try to encourage small creative businesses to settle in the town.

The ‘starter for ten’ scheme offers support for small businesses, including free premises, business advice and specialist guidance. The council’s ultimate aim is to raise the profile of Gateshead as a location for creative businesses.

Buildings on the town’s High Street South have been earmarked for demolition in the long term, but instead of standing dormant until then firms will be able to use the space as a temporary base.

Wayne Hemingway said: “Nationally we are losing our low cost start up opportunities. From Kensington Market in London, where my first company Red or Dead established itself, to The Corn Exchange in Leeds. Places that used to provide low cost opportunities for independent start-ups in prime positions are disappearing as our towns and cities contribute to the worrying “Clone Town Britain” label. At a time when overseas competition is addressing this issue Britain should start to also address it to retain its creative edge.”

The ‘starter for ten’ space will join Gateshead’s other developments in the creative sector, The Sage and BALTIC, as well as nearby business venues such as the Gateshead International Business Centre.

Councillor Mick Henry, the leader of Gateshead Council, said: “This innovative new scheme is part of the overall plan to reinvigorate the centre of Gateshead. I’m delighted that Wayne Hemingway, who is a long-time friend of Gateshead, has come up with such an interesting and challenging scheme for the area.

“With its developments on Gateshead Quays and at the International Stadium, Gateshead has set a very high standard and achieved a reputation for high quality, leading edge design. We are determined to tackle the town centre regeneration in the same spirit.”

For more information go to www.gateshead.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .