Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has signed a new contract with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to deliver a new Digital Skills, Innovation and Learning Hub in the heart of Boscombe, as part of the Bournemouth Towns Fund Better Boscombe regeneration programme.
Based across various locations but primarily in the Royal Arcade in Boscombe high street, the new Hub will provide inclusive, knowledge-based learning opportunities for residents and businesses particularly around technology adoption. Working with partners Evolve Members and Silicon South, it will also deliver specialised incubator and accelerator business support and advice for digital and creative tech companies as well as being the home of digital skills accessibility for Boscombe and the wider community.
The Hub will be free to use for Boscombe residents.
Digital skills, innovation and learning lies at the heart of Boscombe’s success as a regenerated area and connects other Bournemouth Towns Fund projects together to create a digital skills and digital tech ecosystem.
Rebecca Davies, Head of Enterprise, Skills, and Industry at Dorset LEP said: “By bringing local providers together who are already delivering high-end expertise to business, we will create a unique offering for Boscombe that offers engagement across the breadth of the community and local business, and more importantly have impact that enhances the region. We are delighted to have signed this new contract with BCP Council and with our project partners, look forward to overseeing the Hub’s successful delivery.
Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council said: “Creating a digital and creative technology ecosystem to enable a much brighter future for all local residents and business will help to ignite the aspirations of local residents young and old, and local businesses; both start-ups and established. This will generate real momentum for Boscombe’s wide regeneration aspirations and improve its long-term prospects as a place to live and work.”
The new Hub, which is due to open soon will harness a mixture of contemporary digital tools and techniques with more traditional face to face delivery to maximise outreach. It will include a concierge and signposting service, digital learning rooms, digital tech incubator/ accelerator and digital tech lab and showroom.
To ensure the Hubs success Dorset LEP is also working with local skills providers, The Old School House, Skills and Learning, Job Centre Plus, National Careers Service, Citizens Advice and more.
The creation of a complimentary online presence will ensure a wider reach of people and businesses.
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