The Digital Exploration Centre (DEC) is the working title for the project which will operate within an international context. The proposal is highly ambitious reflecting Southend's prominence in the Thames Gateway and the East of England, and the DEC is conceived as the UK's leading centre for the creative exploration and application of digital technology across research, art, commerce and entertainment. Southend has a strong tradition of commercial enterprise and as a visitor destination, and the DEC concept seeks to combine these strenghts with the new academic developments in both FE and HE, building upon Southend's strategic position in the Thames Gateway with its excellent links to London.
The Vision for the DEC is that is should be at the centre of a network of innovators using digital technology, catalysing cross-discipinary work and providing public and commercial exhibition facilities.
The working title is intended to reflect the broad-based and outward looking nature of the project. It is conceived as a true centre or innovation hub - in the sense of a nexus – with networks and collaborations at its heart. The principle objectives of the DEC would be:
• To bring together many kinds of creative people from across many innovative disciplines
• To be a network and facility through which the most advanced digital technology can be found, explained, shared and enjoyed
• To be a commercial, academic, educational and entertainment resource and research centre
• To support the economic, social and physical regeneration of Southend, Essex and the Thames Gateway • To be financially and environmentally sustainable in the long-term
• To host a programme of events and exhibitions that will anticipate and respond to current issues
• To be a champion and ambassador for the creative exploration and application of digital technology
• To continue to be at the forefront of emerging digital technology
Digital technology now underpins nearly every aspect of our daily lives, and it is a field in which the UK has a wealth of talent and expertise, seen in commercial endeavours, academic departments and creative media across the country. However, no single body in the UK has yet brought these elements together in a place where knowledge can be shared and cross-fertilised, and where the best work can be exhibited.
The DEC would, in time, provide a physical location in which the most advanced digital technology could be found, explained, shared and enjoyed. It would be a commercial, academic, and educational resource, a place of public entertainment, a research centre, and an exhibition space of international importance.
From its origins the DEC concept has been shaped by the opportunities and circumstances of Southend. The particular reasons for proposing Southend as the location include:
• The expressed enthusiasm of a number of important stakeholders and potential partners. Consultations have established strong interest in the project from businesses, academic institutions and creative people located in and beyond Southend.
• The need for regeneration. Southend is the largest town in Essex, and one of the most important urban areas in the largest regeneration project in Europe; the Thames Gateway. The DEC will aid regeneration of the town by developing and deepening social and human capital within the population and, in the process, raise aspirations, change perceptions and develop, diversify and promote its function as 'cultural hub' as well as reinforcing its visitor offer. The DEC will also play a major role in supporting local businesses and contributing to a range of local economic and spatial priorities.
• Complementarity with new academic developments. The continuing expansion of the Southend Campus for Further and Higher Education, with further investment planned in the coming years by the University of Essex and South East Essex College, will enable synergies and possibly shared resources with the DEC.
• The strategic location in the Thames Gateway. Southend is strategically placed at the coastal end of the Thames Gateway, linking London and Southend with all the wider developments of the region. The DEC will help to realise the aspiration to reposition Southend as the cultural and educational hub of the Thames Gateway.
• The extensive development opportunities. The regeneration initiatives planned and underway in Southend will create opportunities for new and ambitious development, with sites available and partners in Southend working on implementing the Southend Central Area Masterplan - March 2008 through Site Development Briefs and other studies to inform future planning strategy locally.
The DEC concept builds on sectors of the economy where Southend is already strong, or gaining in strength; such as high-tech business and innovation (companies such as Olympus and the developing business hub around London Southend Airport); the leisure and visitor sectors, traditionally strong but in need of diversification; the academic and creative sectors, established and developing key drivers for the local economy (for example the range of creative industries courses offered locally by South East Essex College, and the innovation/entrepreneural programmes operated by the Uof E Business School).
To get involved with the DEC or for more information, please contact gilestofield@renaissancesouthend.co.uk
February 2010