The UK’s creative industry is thriving, as demonstrated in July when British film studio Pinewood – home to James Bond movie Spectre – admitted it can’t accept all of the big Hollywood business it’s being offered.
“Construction has begun on the first phase of the Pinewood expansion. This is an exciting development for the group and we are pleased with the support and commitment given to us through the placing,” said Pinewood’s chief executive Ivan Dunleavy. “Although we have hosted the three largest film productions of the year, being Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Avengers: Age of Ultron and the 24th Bond film Spectre, we continue to be unable to meet all the demand from large films.” With these types of developments, the UK government is advised to do more to “cement the future success of one of the UK’s prized assets”, backing ventures in music, art, film, TV, design and gaming. Of course, London is the UK hub of creativity. Mayor Boris Johnson has recognised this with his latest investment from the March-launched, crowdfunded, £9m High Street Fund, which has the task of “re-energising the capital’s high streets by embracing the city’s incredible talent for creativity and innovation”. He has parted with £285,000 to fund 20 projects in local communities, and one of the more innovative campaigns, a plan to turn the disused Peckham Coal railway line into a 1km-long urban park space, secured £10,000. “The eclectic range of projects I have seen over the course of the High Street Fund is a remarkable testament to the creativity and enterprise of Londoners, and I’m delighted to announce pledges towards 20 of those today,” said Johnson. “The Peckham Coal Line project is a fantastic example of how we can harness the enthusiasm of civic crowdfunding and work more directly with Londoners to improve their neighbourhoods. I urge you to go online and help your local project reach their total.” The creation of the green space is said to not just transform walking and cycling around the town, but also provide more direct links between high streets to benefit businesses which can expect a greater number of visitors.
Read more on creativity and social enterprise:
- As Silicon Roundabout leads, where do the rest of the UK tech hubs fit in?
- British entrepreneurs give back as social causes motivate UK business ventures
- The 4 London design shows that will unleash your company’s creative streak this autumn
Just a reminder the playground is closed today whilst we spruce it up. Volunteers welcome! pic.twitter.com/NK4PXFyoeH
— Wanstead Playground (@WansteadPlay) June 10, 2015
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