In the recent Budget announcement, Create Studios was one of seven local projects to be supported from regeneration funding as part of the government’s Towns Fund.
The Town’s fund will invest in towns as part of the government’s plan to level up our regions. The funding equates to £1.02 billion in total.
The £19.5 million allocation to Swindon will help boost the local economy and regenerate parts of the town centre. The fund will go towards a range of projects including a new landmark media production facility at the Carriage Works for Create Studios, refurbishing the Health Hydro in Milton Road, and enabling work at the Kimmerfields development.
Create Studios will be moving into its new home at the Carriage Works once conversions on one of the units are completed in three years. Features of the facility will include a dedicated studio, workshop spaces for young people, and a cafe. In the new location at the historical Carriage Works, Create Studios will be continuing to build on its nationally recognised track record of producing high-end film productions for national and international companies as well as running its talent development programmes for young people.
Shahina Johnson MBE, CEO for Create Studios, said, “The team at Create Studios is delighted about the funding award to regenerate Swindon’s town centre and know that cultural and creative industries have been at the heart of successful regeneration around the country. We are looking forward to working with the team at Swindon Borough Council to deliver excellent facilities to grow skills and employment for our young people in the digital creative industries, mentored as always by our dedicated team.”
Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, added, “The Towns Fund announcement is fantastic news for Swindon and the projects that have been selected will give our town centre a huge boost.
“I am really pleased we are able to use some of the funding to support Create Studios in a new purpose-built home at the Carriage Works, which is steeped in Swindon’s railway heritage.”
