Stratford’s giant media centre focus for new jobs
Barely a fortnight ago it was a hive of activity as a media hub for 20,000 of the world’s broadcasters, photographers and journalists covering the Olympics.
Now ambitious plans for the fuure redevelopment of the International Broadcast and Media Centre in the Olympic Park could see it buzzing again with the creation of more than 4,000 jobs.
iCITY, a company formed by real estate and research firms, has been awarded “sole preferred bidder status” to develop the site by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC).
If iCITY’s plan gets final approval the site will be turned into a technology, design and research centre.
Gavin Poole, CEO of iCITY, estimates the move could create 4,000 jobs in the centre by the time it is fully operational in 2018, plus jobs in the surrounding area in industries which will support the centre and its employees.
He said: “We are really excited about the opportunity to transform the Press and Broadcast Centre into a world-class centre of technological innovation and enterprise.
“iCITY will create thousands of jobs, provide investment and highly advanced infrastructure for east London’s flourishing creative industries, and deliver a sustainable legacy for the local community, London and the UK.”
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Mr Poole said: “We have been working with Hackney Community College to develop a digital apprenticeship.
“They want to have a space here, an extension of their college, and we can work with businesses to develop work opportunities and experience.
Others on board include Loughborough University and Cisco.
“We want to make this work through enhancing education, employment, enterprise and environment,” he added.
