Ipswich Borough Council is inviting proposals from potential partners to develop and operate a new cutting-edge Creative Hub in the heart of the town.
As a centre for ICT, tech, and digital creative businesses, the Hub would have a specialist focus on screen, media, and gaming to support innovation and business development in the sector.
The opportunity to be part of a significant new venture shaping the future of Ipswich’s cultural and digital economy, is open to experienced industry professionals, investors and entrepreneurs. Successful applicants are expected to have the vision and expertise to create and operate a unique environment that fosters collaboration, supports start-ups, and develops successful businesses.
The Council has already identified a centrally located, self-contained space, totalling almost 5,000 sq ft, ideal for transforming into the Creative Hub on the lower ground floor of the Town Hall, with its own entrance on Princes Street and natural daylight on two sides. It has unrivalled potential for providing open-working, meeting and breakout areas for individuals and groups that can offer flexible workspaces, mentorship programs, networking events and access to support services.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Ipswich Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Development, says:
“There is real potential to revitalise and rejuvenate this space, into the cornerstone of a thriving creative community. A Creative Hub will bring together tech and digital, creative and cultural talents to become a vibrant, productive part of our town centre for the future.
“We’re looking for an operator who shares our vision and has a proven track record in operating similar ventures. We have secured £750,000 in funding to transform the space and the selected operator will lead the design and delivery of the project. If you have the experience and ambition to bring such an exciting initiative to life, we want to hear from you.”
More information on the project and about submitting an initial proposal to partner with the Council in delivering the Creative Hub is available at: Creative Hub Ipswich The deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 7 June.
After this initial expression of interest, operators will be invited to submit formal proposals to deliver and operate the Creative Hub. That invitation will set out how the proposals should be made and the selection criteria. The formal selection of an operator will be announced by Ipswich Borough Council at the end of October 2024.
