Creative and Cultural Industry Cluster, Church Street Hartlepool

Project

Development strategy and Action Plan to build a creative industries cluster to drive economic growth in Church Street, Hartlepool.

Client

Hartlepool Borough Council

Our work included

With support from the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Economic Growth Adviser programme, Rubicon Regeneration was commissioned to assist develop a strategy and action plan for the Church Street area in Hartlepool. The aim of the project is to test and develop the proposition that the economic prospects of Church Street can be enhanced through the creation of a cluster of businesses focussed around creative, digital and media industries, whilst offering graduates from Hartlepool College of Further Education and Cleveland College of Art and Design the opportunity to establish their own business. The objective is to create a strategy for the development of a creative industries cluster of businesses within the Church Street Area of Hartlepool building on the academic strengths and opportunities of HCFE and CCAD.

Our work was based on:

  • a review of best practice;
  • an assessment of a series of projects that can contribute to the development of a sustainable creative industries quarter;
  • the identification of potential delivery models and funding streams, and
  • the production of an action plan for the implementation of the strategy

Outcome

The work has led to the formation of a Creative Cluster Network to drive forward recommendations and set out within the report.

“Rubicon Regeneration developed an excellent strategy and action plan to enhance the economic prospects of Church Street through the creation of a cluster of creative industries businesses. Rubicon Regeneration brought extensive knowledge, experience and expertise to the commission and displayed commitment and enthusiasm for the project from the outset. The work was delivered to a very high standard to a demanding timescale. We would have no hesitation in using Rubicon Regeneration to support our work in the future.”
Rob Smith, Hartlepool Borough Council