Enterprise Nation

According to the Live/Work Network, creative big wigs in Brighton are coming together in a joint call for more live/work space to be built. This will be space to house the growing number of people who want to run their creative business from home.

Brighton considers live/work expansion

A working group should be established to explore the potential for more live/work accommodation in Brighton, a study of the city’s creative sector has recommended.

The study finds that one-third of all creative businesses currently occupy residential accommodation, usually their own. As a result, it concludes, ‘residential properties are therefore an important supply of workspace for creative industries'.

The study says that creative enterprises want to own rather than rent or lease their properties. But it says that much of the workspace available in Brighton is in the form of large, expensive units that are not suitable for creative businesses. And it says that three quarters of the city’s creative businesses want more space.

Cabinet member for culture Cllr David Smith said: 'This sector has real potential to create jobs and start small businesses in the city.  We need to develop a range of types of accommodation for different types of creative businesses.  It’s crucial these are affordable, appropriate and available.  So the council and other property owners need to be creative about finding them homes.'

• Source: Live Work Network
• View the study at Creative Brighton