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Baltic Boosted by Studio Schools
Baltic Triangle’s vibrant mix of creative and digital businesses will be enhanced further with the introduction of two new ‘studio schools’.
The Contemporary Urban Centre (CUC), The Studio – a school dedicated to digital and gaming technology - and the Life Science University Technical College (UTC) form one of only 15 studio schools approved by the government. The North Liverpool Academy Trust will house both schools within Baltic Triangle’s former arts centre.
The news follows the announcement last month of four new tenants to the area including App developer Citrus Suite; Alison Appleton British Ceramic Design Studio; motion graphic business, Sparkle and creative industry business consultants, Focus Innovation.
North Liverpool Academy Trust’s principal Kay Askew believes the CUC’s position within the heart of Liverpool’s creative district offers a unique selling point: “I doubt there would be any better location anywhere for our schools. The Baltic Triangle has one of the world’s most significant games sector clusters and is minutes away from the city’s Knowledge Quarter, part of the UK’s top three biomedical centres.
“Work based training is key to both The Studio and UTC. Both schools’ pupils complete weekly work experience so a close proximity to both industries is highly advantageous.”
Economic development company, Liverpool Vision helped the former owners, social charity People Can in the run up to the sale of the building. Liverpool Vision’s Head of Area Priorities, Jenny Douglas, said: “This is a mutually beneficial development. Obviously pupils will benefit from this edgy and creative location and will bring a new and even more youthful dynamic to the Baltic area, but the schools will also deliver a skilled workforce, helping to address the skills shortage that games and life sciences sectors have identified.
“This is likely to be a contributing factor to the schools being backed by Sony and Liverpool University and is the kind of joined-up thinking that is making the area so dynamic.”
The Chair of the Baltic Community Interest Company, Antony Pickthall also welcomed the announcement of the school’s purchase of CUC, he said: “The Baltic is thriving and these studio schools will add to the energy and uniqueness of the area. The Baltic is welcoming new additions on a regular basis and I am sure it will offer an outstanding environment for these pupils to learn and develop.”
The CUC houses two restaurants, and a 120-seat cinema and music venue. North Liverpool Academy trust will spend the next year developing the building to meet the school’s needs. Both schools are due to open in September 2013.
For more information on the Baltic Triangle visit www.baltictriangle.co.uk
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