BUSINESSES have been told how the future of the area’s economy will balance culture and industry.
The South Warwickshire Local Business Forum heard from a key figure at the Royal Shakespeare Company and a developer bringing forward a major scheme in the area.
Jacqui O’Hanlon, deputy executive director and director of creative learning and engagement at the RSC, said the theatre’s diverse programming and global reach was continuing to bring visitors into the region, showing the connection and positive impact between culture and tourism.
“We’re already seeing extraordinary interest in our Game of Thrones adaptation coming this summer and we hope it is going to bring in large numbers of audiences making their first visit to Stratford or the RSC.
“Kenneth Branagh is starring in The Tempest and with Helen Hunt in The Cherry Orchard later this year, and tickets sales are very strong. These are major cultural moments for the town and region and we know they will also have a positive impact on the local economy.
“Transport is one of the major barriers for visitors and audiences. Poor connectivity is holding the town back, and we all need to push for sustained investment to improve the offer for visitors and residents.”
Lewis Payne, development director at IM Properties – the developer behind the £140 million Stratford 46 scheme, said there was already promising interest from potential occupiers.
The development will feature units ranging from 20,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft and will have easy access to the A46, making it attractive to businesses already in the area and inward investors.
He added: “Even before launching the marketing, Stratford 46 is attracting a wave of local businesses who want to grow but currently have nowhere to go. The demand is already there.
“The Midlands is missing out on major inward investment because we simply don’t have enough strategic employment land. Big companies want to be here but the sites don’t exist, which is something we are trying to address.
“We’re also delivering major upgrades on the A46, tackling one of the most dangerous junctions in the area. It’s extremely challenging, but essential that we improve the infrastructure if we want economic growth.
“Developments only work if people can actually get to the jobs. That’s why we put money into buses, cycle routes and local connections – it can’t just be buildings on a map.”
