Kent could have a cutting-edge visual arts training academy based at the Turner Contemporary in Margate as part of a “creative industries district” based around the Thames Estuary.

The academy is one of a string of proposals designed to illustrate how a leading global zone for the creative industries around the Thames Estuary could be created.

It has been put forward by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Christian Brodie of SELEP (South East Local Enterprise Partnership) who are urging Lord Heseltine to adopt the blueprint for the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission that he heads.

The commission, set up last year, aims to boost productivity and attract skilled workers to the 40 mile stretch from Canary Wharf to Southend and Thanet. The aim is to create tens of thousands of jobs and homes between now and 2050.

Christian Brodie, SELEP chairman, said:

“The creative industries are one of the south east's biggest success stories. As the UK competes on the world stage, we must harness the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the creative sector - enabling its growth and extending its global reach.”

“To realise the vision we have set out, we must recognise the unique needs of the creative sector in the policies we shape and the investments we make."

Victoria Pomery OBE, who heads Turner Contemporary, said: "Turner Contemporary's world-class programme has driven the growth of a creative cluster and led the regeneration of Margate."

"The investment so far has yielded significant economic and social impact, exceeding all expectations. Going forward, our ambitious plans will build on Margate's creative and natural assets and further develop a thriving ecosystem of artists, creatives and entrepreneurs, providing exciting opportunities for future generations."

The Thames Estuary region has a population of more than three million people and already includes projects like the creation of a garden city at Ebbsfleet, the planned Lower Thames Crossing and will be part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone.

A spokesman for SELEP said: “We are in the very early stages of developing a number of ambitious new schemes, including one building on the success of Turner Contemporary in Margate. The proposed concepts submitted today are the start – a calling card to the Thames Estuary Commission."

“They will be followed by master planning and feasibility studies for the whole area that will look at existing projects and new ideas and which will identify where there is existing infrastructure on the doorstep of the Thames Estuary area that needs to be considered as part of the strategic plans.”