Leveraging private sector investment
From 1996 to 2009 the City Fringe Partnership delivered major initiatives to improve the prospects of residents and support London's small businesses.
Download CFP research on the area and key employment sectors, as well as sector investment plans and evaluation reports of its programmes.
CFP projects, project delivery partners and links to organisations at the heart of CFP activities.
Achievements:
Folder Listing
- City-wide celebration of jewellery talent
- Increased tourism for the City Fringe
- Better supply chain relationships
- New business models for a traditional industry
- Public sector partnership for innovation
- Helping residents into work
- Workspaces for creative enterprises
- Leveraging investment from the private sector
The legacy
- Leveraged £17.5 million of investment from 800-year old City institution The Goldsmiths Company for a major workspace and training project.
- Encouraged the Company's first foray into education for over 100 years.
- Greater cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Leveraging private sector investment: The Goldsmiths Centre
CFP knowledge of the area and its needs placed it in an ideal position to encourage private sector investment into the City Fringe. Following the success of major developments under its Single Regeneration Budget 4 programme the CFP refocused on small business growth and employment opportunities for residents. Wherever possible, the CFP used its influence to support capital improvements in the area with new workspaces and centres of education and innovation.
The CFP brokered a deal with the London Development Agency to develop an old school site in Clerkenwell which had been unused for years. The CFP assessed the possibilities for the site and encouraged The Goldsmiths' Company to partner with the London Development Agency to create London's first flagship jewellery workspace and training centre.
The Goldsmiths Centre
Scheduled to open in 2011 The Goldsmiths Centre will involve the restoration of the existing Grade 2 Listed Victorian school and the creation of a new five-storey building with workshops for established firms of silversmiths and subsidised workspace for young craftspeople starting up in business
This £17.5 million project represents the Company's largest ever direct investment in the craft and industry and will become a centre with a particular focus on educating the general public and providing training opportunities for young people who aspire to careers in silversmithing and jewellery-making.
The Goldsmiths Centre will house workshops, studios, exhibition and conference space and a café, as well as a much-needed training facility for young craftsmen and women. The centre will be environmentally friendly, making maximum use of sustainable sources of energy by means of a ground-source heat pump and photovoltaic cells on the roof.
The Goldsmiths Centre will help to address the loss of vocational training opportunities within the industry as well as the challenges faced by those exiting Higher Education after completing their studies.
In addition to the education and training opportunities for those working, or aspiring to work, within the craft and industry, the general public will be able to access exhibitions and events, giving them the opportunity to learn more.
