Creativity's set to bloom - as demolition looms.

Byline: Karen Dent

AN ambitious plan by designer Wayne Hemingway to turn redundant buildings into a hub for creative businesses has been given the all clear.

Hemingway, the inspiration behind the Red or Dead fashion label who now concentrates on urban design, suggested using empty buildings on Gateshead High Street South as temporary business bases.

A number of the buildings are to be demolished as part of the town centre regeneration but creative business will be allowed to move in for free as part of a bid to stimulate the creative sector.

Free business advice will also be available for artistic entrepreneurs as part of a support programme designed to raise the profile of Gateshead as a centre for artistic enterprises.

Mr Hemingway said: "This is about giving the creative community a helping hand and putting empty units to good use. It has the potential to attract leaders and entrepreneurs and give the local economy a boost.

"The creative sector is one of the biggest drivers of the UK economy, yet there are very few facilities to promote entrepreneurship in this area.

"Places that used to provide low cost opportunities for independent start-ups in prime positions are disappearing as our towns and cities contribute to the worrying 'Clone Town Britain' label. At a time when overseas competition is addressing this issue, Britain should start to also address it to retain its creative edge."

The scheme, called Starter for 10 because the empty shops and units will hold 10 enterprises during the pilot phase, was approved by Gateshead Council Cabinet yesterday.

Mr Hemingway's design company was responsible for the 800-house Staiths South Bank development in Dunston.

A council spokesman said the cost of setting up the programme would be minimal and plans on how and when the units were to be filled would be released in due course.

If successful, other creative incubation clusters would be set up.

Council leader Mick Henry said: "Gateshead has set a very high standard and achieved a reputation for high quality, leading edge design - we are determined to tackle the town centre regeneration in the same spirit."

CAPTION(S):

CREATING SPACE Gateshead council leader Mick Henry, left, and Wayne Hemmingway nurture creativity.