Plymouth Culture has unveiled an exhilarating Creative Industries Plan that promises to catapult Plymouth into the spotlight as a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation.
Commissioned by Plymouth City Council and officially adopted at a Cabinet meeting today (10 March) this plan is set to unlock extraordinary growth opportunities within the sector.
The creative industries are a powerhouse in the UK, outpacing the national economy by expanding twice as fast between 2010 and 2022, and contributing a remarkable 5.7% to the UK's GVA.
The Great South West region, including Plymouth, has been a hotbed for creative job growth, matching the fastest rates in the country from 2019 to 2022. Now, Plymouth stands poised to become the urban epicentre of this regional boom.
Imagine Plymouth's creative sector flourishing to match the South West average —this would mean 1,640 new jobs and an impressive £90-126 million boost to the local economy each year. With over a decade of significant cultural investment, Plymouth is ready to build on its strong foundations and strategically support its creative industries.
Councillor Jemima Laing, Cabinet Member for Culture, said:
"This plan is a game-changer for our city. We've always recognised the immense value of the creative industries in Plymouth, and now we have the data to back it up.
“From the vibrant art installations at The Box, to the innovative performances at Theatre Royal Plymouth, and the dynamic tech startups at the Market Hall in Devonport, Plymouth is bursting with creativity. We have companies leading the way in digital innovation, creating immersive experiences and the cutting-edge projects.
“This plan aligns perfectly with our growth agenda and highlights the pivotal role the creative sector plays in driving inclusive growth."
The plan's visionary recommendations include the creation of dynamic Creative Clusters—vibrant hubs where creative businesses can thrive around anchor organizations. These clusters will not only make the sector more visible but also attract and retain top talent and businesses, while delivering tailored support initiatives. Proposed clusters include:
- The Culture Cluster: Centred around The Box and the universities (University of Plymouth and Arts University Plymouth).
- The Performance Cluster: A lively music and performance zone in Royal Parade and Union Street, linking the Guildhall, TRP, the Millennium building, the Reel, and the Athenaeum.
- The Createch Cluster: Located around the Market Hall in Devonport, attracting IT, software, computer services, and screen companies.
- Plymouth Production Park: In Cattedown, enhancing TR2’s production capacity with an extension and developing skills and supply chains to support industrial craft and new live production businesses.
Hannah Harris, CEO of Plymouth Culture, added:
"Creative industries thrive when they cluster together, benefiting from shared resources, skills, and knowledge. Establishing microclusters across the city is the first step in making the sector more visible and providing targeted support over time.
"Investing in the creative industries is a smart economic move. This sector not only grows rapidly but also generates positive spillover effects across other sectors, creating both social and economic value. A creative industries growth strategy is inherently an inclusive growth strategy."
This plan is just the beginning. An implementation plan will follow in the coming months, developed with input from key partners such as The Box, Real Ideas, University of Plymouth, Arts University Plymouth, and Theatre Royal Plymouth.