North Paddington Creative Enterprise Zone
Supporting and celebrating creativity and culture in North Paddington
What is the Creative Enterprise Zone
Creative Enterprise Zones are an initiative from the Mayor of London to designate areas of London where artists
and creative businesses can find permanent affordable space to work. In these zones, they will be supported to start-up and grow and are areas where local people are helped to learn creative sector skills and access pathways to employment.
North Paddington in Westminster is among several new areas to be designated as a Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ). The zone covers three wards: Westbourne, Harrow Road and Queens Park.
The birthplace of Notting Hill Carnival costume design, home to the BBC’s recording studios since 1946 and location for West End rehearsals, the zone has a rich and diverse history of creativity and culture, grown out of local community movements deeply rooted in the area. But there is significant opportunity to better connect, convene and grow the creative economy in North Paddington, ensuring more residents can benefit locally and from wider creative opportunities in the city.
The vision for the North Paddington Zone is for a place where deeply rooted creativity and culture is celebrated and protected. Where creative production grows, is sustainable, and accessible for all. And where people are empowered to develop their talent and reach their potential.
Re:Create Westminster
Re:Create is specifically designed to help creative business owners build resilient businesses through expert skills advice and training.
Launching for the first time in Westminster in 2024, the scheme will help meet the council's aims to create a place where creative production grows, is sustainable, and accessible for all.
Run and developed by social enterprise Creative United, Re:Create has already generated an estimated £165,000 in additional income and seen new jobs created among last year's participants.
Westminster-based creative business will have the chance to:
- be one of 40 creatives business owners and artists based in the borough, who have been trading for at least a year, to receive 4 hours of free one-to-one business mentoring from coaches in the creative industries
- access a complimentary Re:Create Business Skills E-learning course focused key topics such as marketing, e-commerce, business planning, financial forecasting, funding, influencing and leadership
- grow business opportunities through networking events with other Re:Create participants
The Re:Create Westminster programme is keen to support individuals who are currently underrepresented in the creative and cultural sectors or experience marginalisation, such as those from the global majority, those with disabilities or members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Find out more and join the programme
Westminster Creatives Network
A new network for Westminster creatives looking to connect, collaborate and innovate with others. If you are an artist, maker or creative business based in Westminster, you're invited to be part of our creative enterprise community.
Sign up to receive regular creative sector updates from us, including events, news, and business support.
Resources for creative businesses
Find a full list of grant funding opportunities
You can report an at risk cultural asset to London City Hall, and find out what they are doing to safeguard London’s culture.
North Paddington Creates
North Paddington Creates was a vibrant programme designed to celebrate and enhance the rich tapestry of creativity in North Paddington. Funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), this initiative invited local organisations, artists, and creatives to engage the community through a range of arts, culture, and heritage activities.
Achievements
- £120,000 grant funding for local artists and organisations
- 15 local artists and organisations supported
- More than 200 volunteering opportunities
- 118 unique events held
- More than 4,800 people attended the programme of events
Contact us
Get involved today and help us shape the vision for the Creative Enterprise Zone:
- Sign up for our newsletter
- Get in touch with us at cez@westminster.gov.uk
- Follow news from London's Creative Enterprise Zones at London Made Me
Published: 4 October 2023
Last updated: 13 May 2025
