Newham Council has launched the next step in its journey to become a leading destination for data and digital innovation, unveiling plans for London’s first Data Campus at East Ham Town Hall. These plans are part of the Council’s £1.2million investment in Newham Sparks, a digital and data programme aimed at unlocking growth and transforming local government delivery in the borough.
The council wants to use the Data Campus at East Ham Town Hall to create opportunities for young people to develop skills and careers while providing an incubator for start-ups and businesses in high growth data industries.
Newham Sparks was launched following research conducted by Newham Council in collaboration with University College London’s (UCL) Institute for Global Prosperity quantifying the digital growth opportunity for the borough, London and the UK. It found that currently in Newham the data sector generates £23.1 million in gross added value. If the borough capitalises on all of the potential opportunities from the digital and data sector, this could increase by over four fold to £104 million by 2035 including with creation of more than 5,500 new jobs in the data sector.
A leading destination for the digital and data economy
The Borough of Newham claims it has a unique opportunity to become a centre for the data and digital economy due to hosting the Innovation District in Olympic Park; and its plans for the lower Lee Valley data centre; Royal Docks Enterprise Zone; and strong partnerships with UCL and University of East London. Additionally, its population is one of the most diverse and youngest in London.
“Our intention is for Newham to become a leading destination for the digital and data economy, capitalising on the unique opportunity our borough presents for innovators and investors while creating opportunities for our residents,” said Mayor of Newham, Rokshana Fiaz OBE.
“Research shows that the data and digital industries will help us future proof our borough – above all in supporting our residents and young people to benefit from high quality local jobs while inspiring growth in businesses and supporting the transformation of how we deliver services as a local authority. I look forward to seeing businesses and young people together in our Data Campus collaborating on the ideas that will secure inclusive growth in Newham into the future.”
