ESSEX is set to benefit from a new creative industries centre thanks to a proposal.

Lord Heseltine, head of the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission, Sadiq Khan, The Mayor of London and Christian Brodie, Chairman of The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) have unveiled a vision for a creative industries district which could form the backbone of the Government’s industrial strategy – strengthening productivity, innovation and talent and bringing great benefits.

The Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission was announced in March 2016. It has been tasked with developing an ambitious vision and delivery plan for North Kent, South Essex and East London up to 2050.

The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is the business-led, public/private body established to drive economic growth across East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock.

Sadiq Khan called on Lord Heseltine to back this proposal which spans seven London boroughs, and the counties of Essex and Kent and builds on the region’s huge success as a cultural and creative powerhouse – worth £35 billion per year to London’s economy alone.

The plans outlined a future where the Thames Estuary becomes an internationally-renowned centre for major creative production facilities for building, innovating and testing new ideas – supporting growth, championing a low carbon economy, providing job opportunities and investing in a skilled workforce.

These proposed developments include the creation of the Quartermaster Studios in Purfleet, the UK’s leading proposed independent media production facility along with various other sites in Dagenham and other areas in and around London and Kent.

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London leads the way across the whole of the creative economy – from fashion to film, design to gaming, performing arts to the visual arts. It’s only right that we build on this success and transform the Thames Estuary into a world-class centre for creative production – leading global innovation, developing the talent of the future and cultivating world-changing ideas.

“I urge Lord Heseltine to recommend our vision and ensure that the creative industries are at the heart of the Government’s industrial strategy.”