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Ramsgate is enjoying a "cultural renaissance" according to research into its creative sector published this week.
It revealed the town's creative sector has tripled over the last 10 years, thanks to an influx of new businesses to the area.
And the research claims it paints a bright future for the Thanet seaside town's future growth.
The Creative Ramsgate research was conducted by Heritage Lab CIC and Canterbury Christ Church University, with funding from Locate in Kent and Arts Council England.
The research not only mapped current creative businesses in Ramsgate but also sought to identify the future scale and need for workspace in the area, vital to future growth.
It also explored ways funders and investors could better support the local creative industries and determine how Ramsgate might grow as a creative hub.
Professor Mike Weed, pro vice-chancellor (research and enterprise) at Canterbury Christ Church University, said: “This report is the first research to map the creative and digital economy in Ramsgate.
"Involving more than 220 respondents it shows a thriving and growing sector that has benefited from the migration of businesses from London, but is also in need of suitable premises locally, business support and investment to expand further.
Rob Kenyon, CEO and founder of Heritage Lab CIC, added: “At nearly three times larger than 10 years ago, this report provides evidence that Ramsgate is a growing and vibrant creative hub.
“It highlights the potential for Ramsgate’s amazing heritage buildings to help fulfil the need for suitable business premises and Heritage Lab will use the report to help identify sites to regenerate into curiously creative spaces.”
Gavin Cleary, CEO of inward investment agency Locate in Kent, said: “Ramsgate is ideally placed as a prime location for those wanting to invest or relocate in Kent. This research will provide invaluable insight for investors and business leaders about the future opportunities in the town.
“The research comes at an exciting time for the creative industries in Kent with investment and exciting projects under way that will unlock the potential of this corner of the south east and put the region on the map as a global centre of excellence.”
It comes as momentum builds to transform the Thames Estuary region, including towns and communities along the Kent and Essex coastline, into a global powerhouse for cultural and creative production.
The vision for the Thames Estuary Production Corridor (TEPC) is the creation of the UK’s densest concentration of production activity, with the potential to ultimately create more than 50,000 jobs across the region from Thurrock to Thanet.
