Deptford / New Cross is named as one of London's first Creative Enterprise Zones

There is exciting news to end 2018 as Deptford / New Cross is named as one of six Creative Enterprise Zones (CEZ) announced by the Mayor of London.

The successful bid for funding from the Mayor will help to ensure growth in the creative industries and that artists, creative talent and communities can thrive.

Posted: 10/03/2022

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced the capitals first Creative Enterprise Zones as part of a groundbreaking initiative to create more than 3,500 new jobs and 1,000 new education, training and job opportunities for local residents, along with more than 40,000 square meters of new affordable workspace.

The six boroughs to be given support for artists, small creative businesses and local people are Lambeth, Croydon, Hounslow, Lewisham, Haringey, Hackney and Tower Hamlets. They will will be awarded a share of more than £11m to boost creative communities.

Each Creative Enterprise Zone will take on its own distinctive character and focus. Lambeth places emphasis on affordable space for the next generation of creative talent, Croydon focuses on initiatives designed to encourage creative businesses to the area, while Hackney Wick will protect and grow one of the most recognisable artistic hubs in the world. Hounslow will leverage its role as Londons centre for TV and film and Haringey will focus on supporting fashion and furniture manufacturing.

Lewisham is making the most of its current student and artist population to drive further growth. Our bid for Deptford and New Cross to become a CEZ included:

Retaining creative talent from the boroughs education institutions, Goldsmiths and Trinity Laban, and in the local community through access and tailored support for employment and enterprise
Increase affordable spaces for the fast-growing creative and digital cluster via Goldsmiths Enterprise & Innovation Hub, and opening 80 new artists studios by Second Floor Studios/Anthology
Embedding development policies within the local plan and business rates, and identifying councils assets that can help the sector to thrive

Mayor of Lewisham, Damien Egan, said: This funding is great news for Lewisham. Thank you to everyone for working so hard on our behalf and to Sadiq Khan and the GLA for supporting us.

Were proud of our creative history and this money will help us support creative jobs and businesses in Deptford and New Cross.

A full press release from the Mayor’s Office can be found online and we look forward to updating you with developments on Lewisham’s Creative Enterprise Zone in 2019!

Deptford / New Cross is named as one of London’s first Creative Enterprise Zones

"Just to say a huge thanks ... I am looking forward to progressing with this project thanks to your support, advice and guidance"