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The Goldsmiths' Company's major new centre to benefit the industry

THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF MAJOR NEW CENTRE IN LONDON TO BENEFIT THE INDUSTRY

"A resource of local, national and international significance"

London, 26, 07, 2007

THE GOLDSMITHS' COMPANY has announced today its proposal to develop a new centre of excellence for the UK silversmithing and jewellery industries to be based in Clerkenwell, London. 

The new Goldsmiths Centre will comprise exhibition, conference and seminar areas, managed workspace and starter studios and, importantly, an education and training facility that will provide opportunities for young people wishing to enter the craft and industry.

This major investment in the future of craft and industry in the Capital is a direct result of the Company's involvement in the City Fringe Partnership and co-operation with the London Development Agency.  Development costs are estimated at circa £14 million with completion of the project scheduled for 2010, subject to planning permission and contract.  The Centre will be managed by a new independent Charity established for the purpose and its development will be managed by Peter Taylor, the Company's Director of Technology and Training working to the Trustees. 

Dick Melly, Clerk of The Goldsmiths' Company, said:  "There is no other centre like this in the world and it represents the largest project that the Company has undertaken since 1892.  It is an initiative which gives a clear indication of our ongoing and steadfast support for the craft and for those seeking careers as silversmiths and jewellers".

"Our objective is the achievement of tangible public benefits through access to the highest quality of design and craftsmanship coupled with educational and training opportunities for young people and those already working within the sector."

"Whilst recognising the challenges that we face in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, we believe that there is, and will remain, a market for creatively designed and beautifully made silversmithing and jewellery and that London's role as a world class manufacturing centre needs to be maintained and developed. The Goldsmiths Centre represents our contribution to this process by creating a resource of local, national and international significance." 

The initiative has been driven by three factors which will be reflected in the nature of the space provided by the new development. These include a requirement for facilities where the public can engage with silversmithing and jewellery design and craftsmanship of the highest quality; a desire to support and maintain the effective clustering of complementary businesses within a communal environment; and recognition of the importance of providing appropriate training and educational support to the industry and those wishing to enter it.

The Goldsmiths Centre will also address the current loss of vocational training opportunities and the challenges faced by those exiting Higher Education after completing their studies by offering two new and unique programmes within a purpose-built training facility: a one year pre-apprentice programme for young people who wish to gain a solid skills base before going into the sector or onto further education or training; and a one year post-graduate programme.  The latter course should appeal to top graduates who want to develop professional design careers within the sector or on their own account.

The project, which has been under development for the past two years, has been made possible by the Company's close consultation with the silversmithing and jewellery trade and partnership with the public sector.  Specifically these are the London Development Agency, which own the site, and the City Fringe Partnership which is behind strategic plans to reinvigorate the jewellery industry in London by stimulating demand and boosting capacity.

For further information and images please contact Amanda Stücklin, The Goldsmiths' Company, Tel: 020 7 367 5913 or email: Amanda.stucklin@thegoldsmiths.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The Goldsmiths' Company is one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London.  Dedicated to promoting excellence in the design and craftsmanship of silver and jewellery, the Goldsmiths' Company is also responsible for the statutory function of hallmarking precious metal articles by operating the London Assay office, a function which began in 1300.
www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk

The London Development Agency (LDA) is the Mayor's agency responsible for London's sustainable economic growth.
www.lda.gov.uk 

The City Fringe Partnership (CFP) is an economic development and regeneration partnership committed to increasing economic and social inclusion in the area to the north and east of the "Square Mile" via the "City Growth" approach.  Following consultation with the jewellery industry and in partnership with The Goldsmiths' Company and the London Borough of Camden, the CFP has secured £3 million in funding from the LDA to invest in the Jewellery Sector Investment Plan (JSIP).  The JSIP is a regional plan designed to meet the challenges that the jewellery industry currently faces: to remain competitive and to grow demand for products.
www.cityfringe.org.uk 

2.  The new Goldsmiths Centre will be built on a site in Clerkenwell currently known as Eagle Court. The existing building was erected as a school which opened in 1874 and was one of the earliest London Board Schools to be built. Situated in the heart of Clerkenwell and a short walking distance from Farringdon tube station, The Goldsmiths Centre will utilise the historic listed school building as well as incorporate a new building designed for the purpose.

3. The Goldsmiths' Company's considerable exhibitions and events programme, together with other technology and training master-classes and seminars which traditionally take place at Goldsmiths' Hall will continue.  The new Goldsmiths Centre is designed to work alongside the existing programme and will enable to the Company to provide additional support to the trade thereby reinforcing its long-term commitment to the industry in the United Kingdom.