Bognor digital hub plan a click closer

A creative digital hub could be based in Bognor Regis railway station SR1600480

Wired Sussex is to develop potential business models for the centre to be based in the town’s railway station.

Based in Brighton, Wired Sussex is a membership organisation for companies and freelancers working in the digital, media and technology sector in Sussex.

The work will be funded using part of a £40,000 grant West Sussex County Council received from the government’s coastal revival fund.

Phil Jones, Wired Sussex’s managing director, said: “This is an exciting project to be involved in. The creative digital sector in Bognor has great potential for growth and the new hub will create an environment that supports entrepreneurship and innovation.

“This project fits exactly with Wired Sussex’s aim of supporting the growth of the digital, media and technology sector across Sussex and I look forward to working with businesses in Bognor to look at how we can turn the project into reality.”

The hub would aim to create high value jobs in the creative digital sector by providing a shared workspace for businesses and start-ups.

The intention is for a place where start-ups and freelance workers can work, share facilities and network and have access to training and support and incubator services.

Wired Sussex will lead the next stage of engagement and will develop detailed plans for the hub.

Cllr Louise Goldsmith, the county council’s leader, said: “Initial conversations with businesses and partners has shown strong support for the idea of a digital hub in Bognor town centre.

“The next stage is to develop our plans in more detail to help inform the business case and ensure the project provides what is needed for businesses and the wider community.

“I am delighted to have Wired Sussex working with us on this project. Their experience is invaluable for us.

“They have extensive experience of establishing and managing co-working spaces especially in the digital sector, such as The Skiff and the Fusebox in Brighton.

The project has already gained the backing of key partners like designer Wayne Hemingway and the University of Chichester.

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