Focal Point: A New Creative Tech Hub Driving Innovation, Education, and Regeneration in Wirral
Since its founding in 2019, Wirral-based immersive technologies company, Focal Studios, has played a central role in supporting local regeneration, community engagement and youth development. Now Wirral and Merseyside are set to benefit from a new development that aims to take Focal Studios’ social engagement activities to the next level.
Focal Point, a new state-of-the-art creative technology hub, will soon become a beacon for innovative socially traded organisations across the region. Building on the success of Focal Studios and our wealth of local and national partnerships Focal Point, the new hub will drive local regeneration through immersive technologies, educational collaborations, and youth development.
As a central part of Wirral’s educational ecosystem, Focal Point advances a vision of the future where regeneration is based on socially conscious entrepreneurialism, community-outreach and training in creative technologies. The hub will feature cutting-edge facilities, including multimedia production studios, co-working spaces, and training labs tailored to disciplines such as video production, immersive technologies, projection mapping, and music technology. It is designed to serve as a resource for local creatives, businesses, and community groups while playing a pivotal role in addressing social and economic challenges in the area.
A Knowledge Exchange Enterprise with a Community Focus
The socially conscious ethos of Focal Point reflects its broader aim of fostering and contributing to a thriving local economy. The socially traded model will ensure that the hub is not just a space for innovation but also a driver of positive social impact. Key beneficiaries of this approach will be young people, who will gain access to resources, mentorship programmes, and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. Focal Point will prepare local youngsters for careers in the immersive tech industry by providing access to advanced technology and expertise.
Focal Studios interns: Thom and Kieran
Through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), with local universities, students and researchers will collaborate with industry professionals on real-world projects. Recently Thom and Kieran joined us as paid interns from Liverpool John Moores University on a site visit with one of our clients, Liverpool Football Club. The trip allowed them to practice the knowledge gained through their Media Production BA degrees in a global business environment.
Young people will play a crucial role in the development of Focal Point as key drivers of the hub’s development from the outset. KTPs at Focal Point will give young people the opportunity to apply their academic learning in real-world settings. This active involvement in both the development and delivery of the hub's programmes will mean that young people are not just beneficiaries of Focal Point’s mission, but integral contributors to its success on a daily basis.
Immersive Technologies and Youth Development
A standout feature of Focal Point will be its emphasis on projection mapping and immersive technologies. These rapidly evolving tools are transforming industries, from entertainment and education to healthcare and manufacturing. Focal Point aims to position Wirral as a leader in this dynamic sector. By providing access to advanced equipment and expertise, the hub will facilitate successful graduate outcomes and provide pathways to employment for young people from a range of educational and socio-demographic backgrounds. Exposure to immersive technologies and working practices will enhance young people’s employability and inspire new entrepreneurial ventures, creating a ripple effect of innovation and economic growth within Wirral.
Focal Point’s partnerships with universities such as Liverpool John Moores will be central to achieving these goals. In hosting public-facing workshops, training sessions, and collaborative projects, Focal Point will encourage knowledge exchange between researchers, professionals and students from all walks of life. This ecosystem of learning and collaboration set Wirral’s reputation as a centre for research and innovation while ensuring that local businesses benefit from the latest advancements in technology and creative practices.
Focal Point will host workshops and training sessions tailored to young creatives, with a focus on bridging the gap between education and employment. Offering practical, hands-on experience in video production, digital art, and immersive technologies, the hub will help young people develop portfolios and networks that open doors to future opportunities. Beyond supporting individual career pathways, Focal Point’s youth-oriented initiatives will contribute to broader social benefits. The hub will help reduce youth unemployment and encourage civic engagement by providing positive outlets for creativity and innovation.
Immersive Technologies as a Driver of Regeneration
The focus on immersive technologies also positions Focal Point as a catalyst for Wirral’s regeneration. By attracting tech-driven businesses and fostering local talent, the hub will contribute to the area’s economic revitalisation. Immersive technologies have the potential to attract investment, generate high-value jobs, and create new revenue streams for the region. Moreover, the integration of immersive technologies into local industries could transform traditional sectors such as tourism and heritage. For example, AR and VR applications could bring local history to life, attracting visitors and boosting the cultural profile of Wirral. Similarly, immersive tools could enhance training programmes for local businesses, driving productivity and innovation.
In these ways Focal Point will play a significant role in the physical and economic regeneration of Wirral. The hub will contribute to the revitalisation of underutilised spaces in a bid to make them places of activity and creativity. This redevelopment aligns with broader efforts to position the area as a culturally rich community that attracts both residents and visitors. The economic impact of Focal Point will extend beyond the tech and creative sectors. By providing a space for collaboration and entrepreneurship, the hub will support small businesses, freelancers, and startups across a range of industries. Its co-working facilities will serve as an incubator for new ideas, while networking events and skills-sharing initiatives will strengthen connections within the local business community.
A Hub for the Entire Community
Although youth development is a key focus, Focal Point is committed to serving the wider community. The hub will host events and programs designed to bring people together, from cultural showcases and skills-sharing sessions to networking meetups and public lectures. Inclusivity and accessibility have always been central to Focal Studio’s ethos. This will continue through to Focal Point, as the hub will ensure that its facilities and programmes are open to people from all backgrounds, creating a space where everyone feels welcome and valued. This commitment to inclusivity will help strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of pride and belonging among those who work there.
As Wirral continues to evolve, Focal Point will serve as a cornerstone of its development: a space where ideas flourish, connections are made, and futures are built. Creative industries have long been recognised as powerful drivers of economic growth and cultural vibrancy. Across Merseyside, creative businesses are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the region’s future, contributing to its economic regeneration and its identity as a hub of innovation and cultural heritage.
Creative businesses not only drive direct economic benefits but also stimulate regeneration in other industries. In Merseyside, sectors such as retail, hospitality, and real estate have seen a boost due to the presence of creative hubs and events. For example, festivals, exhibitions, and public art installations draw visitors and increase foot traffic in urban areas, supporting local businesses and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Technology-driven creative enterprises, such as those specialising in digital media, immersive technologies, and video production are also emerging as key players in Merseyside's regeneration. These businesses attract highly skilled professionals to the region while providing opportunities for local talent. Additionally, creative enterprises often promote inclusivity and community engagement, offering workshops, cultural events, and training programs that benefit diverse groups.
By fostering collaboration between creative businesses, academic institutions, and local government through organisations like Focal Point, Merseyside can further leverage its creative sector to address socioeconomic challenges, improve public spaces, and create a more sustainable and inclusive future. Hubs like Focal Point will be instrumental in advancing this vision, helping to position Merseyside as a national leader in creative and technological innovation.
See you in 2025!!!
