Policy HC5 — Supporting London’s culture and creative industries

Policy HC5 Supporting London’s culture and creative industries A The continued growth and evolution of London’s diverse cultural facilities and creative industries is supported. Development Plans and development proposals should: 1) protect existing cultural venues, facilities and uses where appropriate and support the development of new cultural venues in town centres and places with good public transport connectivity. To support this, boroughs are encouraged to develop an understanding of the existing cultural offer in their areas, evaluate what is unique or important to residents, workers and visitors and develop policies to protect those cultural assets and community spaces 2) identify and promote new, or enhance existing, locally-distinct clusters of cultural facilities, venues and related uses defined as Cultural Quarters, especially where they can provide an anchor for local regeneration and town centre renewal 3) identify, protect and enhance strategic clusters of cultural attractions 4) consider the use of vacant properties and land for pop-ups or meanwhile uses for cultural and creative activities during the day and at night-time to stimulate vibrancy and viability and promote diversity in town centres, Cultural Quarters and other areas 5) seek to ensure that Opportunity Areas and large-scale mixed-use developments include new cultural venues and/or facilities and spaces for outdoor cultural events. B Boroughs are encouraged to work with the Mayor and relevant stakeholders to identify Creative Enterprise Zones in Local Plans: 1) in areas that have emerging or existing clusters of creative industries; or 2) in areas of identified demand and more deprived areas where there is evidence that the designation of a Creative Enterprise Zone will enhance the local economy and provide facilities and workspace for the creative industries. C Where a Creative Enterprise Zone has been identified, Local Plan policies should: 1) develop, enhance, protect and manage new and existing creative workspace, providing flexibility for changing business needs, and an attractive business environment including related ancillary facilities 2) support existing, and the development of new, cultural venues within the Creative Enterprise Zone 3) help deliver spaces that are suitable, attractive and affordable for the creative industries, taking into account the particular requirements of established and emerging creative businesses in the Creative Enterprise Zone in accordance with Policy E2 Providing suitable business space , Policy E4 Land for industry, logistics and services to support London’s economic function and Policy E8 Sector growth opportunities and clusters 4) encourage the temporary use of vacant buildings (including heritage assets) and sites for creative workspace and activities 5) integrate public transport, digital and other infrastructure, and services such as leisure, recreation, education and community facilities in the establishment and development of the Creative Enterprise Zone 6) support a mix of uses which derive mutual benefits from, and do not compromise, the creative industries and cultural facilities in the Creative Enterprise Zone in line with the Agent of Change principle (see Policy D13 Agent of Change ) 7) contribute to the achievement of wider objectives for the business location such as the economic vitality and diversity of a town centre or the intensification of an industrial area. 7.5.1 London’s rich cultural offer includes visual and performing arts, music, spectator sports, festivals and carnivals, pop-ups and street markets, and a diverse and innovative food scene, which is important for London’s cultural tourism. The vibrancy of London’s culture is integrally linked to the diverse communities of the city, and grassroots venues and community projects are as important as London’s famous cultural institutions in providing opportunities for all Londoners to experience and get involved in culture. 7.5.2 The capital’s cultural offer is often informed, supported and influenced by the work of the creative industries such as advertising, architecture, design, fashion, publishing, television, video games, radio and film. Cultural facilities and venues include premises for cultural production and consumption such as performing and visual arts studios, creative industries workspace, museums, theatres, cinemas, libraries, music, spectator sports, and other entertainment or performance venues, including pubs and night clubs. Although primarily serving other functions, the public realm, community facilities, places of worship, parks and skate-parks can provide important settings for a wide range of arts and cultural activities. 7.5.3 London’s culture sector and the creative industries deliver both economic and social benefits for the capital. In 2015, the Gross Value Added (GVA) of the creative industries in London was estimated at £42 billion, accounting for just under half of the UK total from these industries, and contributing 11.1 per cent to London’s total GVA. Cultural tourism supported 80,000 jobs and contributed £3.2 billion of GVA to London in 2013, just under a third of the overall contribution from the tourism sector as a whole. As well as being one of London’s most dynamic sectors, culture also plays a role in building strong communities, increasing healthy life outcomes and generating civic pride. 7.5.4 Despite this positive general picture, London’s competitive land market means that the industry is struggling to find sufficient venues to grow and thrive, and is losing essential spaces and venues for cultural production and consumption including pubs, night clubs, venues that host live or electronic music and rehearsal facilities. Creative businesses and artists also struggle to find workspace and secure long-term financing and business support as their activities are perceived to be ‘risky’ or of non-commercial value. 7.5.5 Boroughs are encouraged to develop an undersLondon Plan Policy HC5 · official source →