Gaming hub project secures council backing

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has voted to support the development of a new gaming hub project which aims to create additional employment opportunities in the city.The council voted on the move at a cabinet meeting on 15 June.The Gaming Hub has been developed as an accelerated development project, with the hope of utilising the SSLEP Get Building Fund and building on the existing agreement for Church Street which was funded by SSLEP.The hub, which is being brought forward by a partnership of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, VX Fiber, Staffordshire University and a number of other industry partners, aims to provide incubation space for gaming company start-ups and create additional opportunities for employment and growth in the sector.The Church Street shell and core works are now complete, with approval now being sought to take the work into the accelerated development phase for fit-out and make the Gaming Hub available to launch later this year.Additional funding was secured from the High Street Heritage Action Zone Project to support the shell and core works, which enabled the release of city council match funding of £360,000. Additionally, the council is hoping to secure £190,000 from SSLEP Get Building Fund.The day to day management of the Gaming Hub, including the learning space and incubation space, will be managed by VX Fiber as an in kind contribution. Commercial office space will then be leased to VX Fiber at current market rates.It added that it will also “help businesses to thrive and make our city more prosperous”.The project has now been approved, subject to conditions.