Newham Council has announced plans for a data campus at East Ham Town Hall, as part of the council’s £1.2 million ‘Newham Sparks’ digital and data transformation programme.

The investment programme aims to bring digital- and data- led education and employment opportunities to the borough. The data campus at East Ham Town Hall is designed to support young people develop digital skills while providing a platform for businesses in high growth data industries, the council said in a statement.

The initiative follows research conducted by Newham Council in collaboration with University College London’s Institute for Global Prosperity, which quantified the digital growth opportunity for the borough, London and the UK.

It found that the data sector in Newham currently generates £23.1 million in gross added value, which could be increased to £104 million by 2035, as well as creating over 5,500 new jobs in the data sector, if the borough were to make the most if digital opportunities.

Mayor of Newham, Rokshana Fiaz OBE, said, “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.

“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.”