AN unlikely town in the UK is set to become a Berlin-like media hub ahead of a £15million project.
Basildon, in Essex, hopes to become the BBC Media City of South Essex with a multi-million renovation.
This would include a "state-of-the-art" media hub, according to Southend Echo, to attract people from the film, gaming and tech industry.
It also hopes to make use of the town's empty, cheap properties which could be used for start ups.
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Craig Rimmer, cabinet member for economic stimulus and tourism, said: “This contract would make Basildon into a creative tech town, with more people residing in the town centre, plans for the cinema, the Towngate theatre and the college will all feed into the town.
“I believe it will be possible for the BBC and companies in media production to take advantage of the exciting space we are setting aside here - we will become a creative corridor for Essex.
"We are trying to capture the energy of other towns and cities which had tech booms, such as Berlin, which benefitted off a lot of students and younger people working there, this is how we will put Basildon on the map.”
Berlin has attracted a number of media companies in recent years, being the home to Sony Deutschland, Universal Music Germany and Paramount offices.
They also have annual events including the German Film Awards and Gamesweek, with the media scene brining in as much as €40billion a year.
Mr Rimmer added that VR and AR are the main "essence" of the contract, with hopes for both BBC and media production companies to sign up.
He said Basildon could be a "creative corridor for Essex" and encourage them to explore outside of London.
Any companies wanting to take on the project can apply until March 22.
In the mean time, there are lots of other activities in Basildon, including the top rated Wakeboard & Aqua Park, as well as Townsgate Theatre and the High Sports complex with climbing walls and pool.
Here are some other film-inspired attractions to visit.
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Pinewood Studios, Buckinghamshire
A new attraction is opening at Pinewood Studios, with the 750,000sqft attraction having three areas.
One will be called the Pinewood Studio Experience, set to rival the Harry Potter Studio Tours.
Centre Stage will be an education and business hub, while the third will have sound stages and workshops.
Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Northern Ireland
A Game of Thrones attraction opened back in 2021, with the 110,000sqft experience taking guests from Castle Black to the Dragonstone throne.
Fans can learn about the behind the scenes processes and even try out their acting skills.
BFI Mediateque, London
Film buffs can watch thousands of films and shows for free at the BFI Mediateque in London.
Not only is it free, but there are 95,000 to choose from.
These include film adaptations such as Dracula, Nineteen Eighty-Four and Wuthering Heights, or modern shows such as the Vampire Diaries.
