7 Creative hubs
127. The role of regional creative industry clusters
and local hubs is also a feature of our inquiry. A 2010 analysis
by Nesta (an independent charity fostering innovation) examined
co-location between creative sectors. The study found that there
were two groups of creative sectors that tended to be co-located.
One group comprised software, games and electronic publishing;
the other group music, film, radio and TV. These interactions
delivered a number of beneficial spillovers, such as knowledge
transfer, and product development. The Government's focus is on
supporting existing clusters rather than trying to instigate them.
128. The DCMS, in written evidence, refers to academic
studies as suggesting that geographical proximity is a necessary
but not sufficient prerequisite for the existence of the hub or
cluster. Some sort of network or ecosystem is also required to
ensure communication and collaboration between companies and sectors
within the cluster. That said, the development of broadband will
make networking less dependent on geographical co-location. The
risk is neglect for creative and employment opportunities in other
parts of the UK.
129. Pinewood Shepperton are strong advocates of
the cluster/hub model.[235]
Their contribution to the UK film industry is enormous. However,
a lack of studio space is already resulting in the loss of international
inward investment.[236]
Like other studios they need to build capacity if they are to
respond to growing demand. We expect demand for studio space
to grow significantly with the introduction of tax credits for
high end television. Andrew Smith, Pinewood Shepperton's Director
of Strategy and Communications, argued: "I think the infrastructure
around the creative industries is just as important as airports,
roads and rail, particularly as it is a clear growth sector of
the economy."[237]
We agree. It was disheartening to learn of the rejection of a
planning application by Pinewood Shepperton that would have allowed
for growth and the establishment of a training academy for the
film industry.[238]
We were disappointed by the local authority's decision to reject
a subsequent planning application that did much to address local
concerns.[239]
130. While allowing for local concerns, the planning
system should adequately recognise the significance of creative
industry infrastructure. A useful initial step would be to revisit
the advice to local authorities given in the National Planning
Policy Framework.
235 Qq 57, 59 Back
236
Ev 204 (Pinewood Shepperton) Back
237
Q 25 Back
238
Qq 18-25 Back
239
http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2013/may/15/pinewood-studios-expansion-blocked-council
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