Northampton has revealed plans to establish a Cultural Quarter that will recognise the contribution the arts make to the local economy, as well as acknowledging that creativity and innovation are central to Northampton’s regeneration. The Cultural Quarter will encompass the area around Derngate and Guildhall Road, where a cluster of creative organisations has developed and will become the focus for future creative and cultural enterprise. Plans will go to the council on 16 January and, if approved, a Northampton Cultural Forum will be created, featuring representatives from Northampton Borough Council, major local arts organisations, the University of Northampton and Arts Council England. Cllr David Mackintosh, Leader of the Council, said the cultural industry was key to the city’s future: "The sector is critical to our overall strategy of encouraging investment and growth and we want to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by the businesses already in our Cultural Quarter and support others to come and set up there.”