14 March 2005

NWDA and RENEW examine the role of creative industries in regeneration

The role of the creative enterprise sector in supporting regeneration in England's Northwest is the latest hot topic to be addressed by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) at a high profile event in Liverpool this week.

In partnership with RENEW, the Northwest Centre for Regeneration Excellence, the NWDA's Creative Industries Think Tank will address the contribution creative industries make to the revitalisation of urban centres, and will provide local and international examples of creative industries-led regeneration. The event will also include two tours - to Liverpool's Independent District, and to Ropewalks.

Justin O'Connor, Director of the Institute of Popular Culture at Manchester Metropolitan University, Jayne Casey, Chief Executive of Love Liverpool, and Andy Lovatt, NWDA Head of Creative Industries, will be speaking about this topical issue, demonstrating how creative industries can develop the potential for sustainable development that goes beyond bars, apartments, and offices.

Andy Lovatt, NWDA Head of Creative Industries, said:
"Growing at twice the rate of the mainstream economy, creative industries are central to the sustainable economic regeneration of England's Northwest. This conference aims to explode some of the myths about the sector and will help regeneration practitioners understand the regions creative industries and the strategies and investments needed to secure continued growth."

Phil Barton, Director of RENEW, said:
"RENEW offers the opportunity to make a real difference to the quality of regeneration activity in the region through a focus on leadership and skills of all involved. Today's conference will examine the way in which creative industries can contribute to this wider regeneration activity. Our challenge is to build on the resources and to increase understanding of how the high-growth creative enterprise sector can drive forward the continued development of the Northwest."

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For further information please contact Lisa Margis, Press Officer on 01925 400205 or 07980 713 273 or Lisa.Margis@nwda.co.uk 

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk  

The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the sustainable economic development and regeneration of England"s Northwest and has 5 key priorities: Business Development, Regeneration, Skills & Employment, Infrastructure and Image.

RENEW is the Northwest Centre for Regeneration Excellence established by the NWDA and GONW to raise the quality of regeneration practice in the region. It aims to achieve this by:
- Developing leadership in regeneration through encouraging a culture of learning and the acquisition of core skills.
- Identifying and actively promoting good practice in regeneration.
- Acting as a central 'hub' for all those involved in regeneration, promoting networking, access to advice and support, learning opportunities, challenge and driving up standards.
Contributing to a culture of learning, risk-taking and aiming high through foresight, innovation and support.