The Mayor of London has offered its continued support to the borough’s Creative Enterprise Zone (CEZ).
The new funding, which is £70,000, will increase permanent affordable creative workspaces, support the growth of local creative businesses and freelancers, and strengthen pathways into the sector for local residents. The Borough’s zone – known as Creative Enterprise West – was first designated in 2018 and has now been reaccredited for a further three years, recognising Hounslow’s strong progress in supporting creative businesses, talent and affordable workspaces. Since 2018, the Council and Mayor of London have contributed over £900k to the zone and supporting creative talent in the borough.
Creative Enterprise West spans a 4km stretch of the Great West Road corridor, covering Brentford, the Golden Mile Lonon and Chiswick Park. The area is one of the capital’s most significant regeneration opportunities, with plans for around 14,000 new homes and 25,000 jobs. Building on the corridor’s industrial and creative heritage, the zone is helping to position the area as a leading Creative-Tech Innovation District.
The Creative Enterprise Zone is also part of the Council’s broader Golden Mile London Vision, which sets out an ambitious long-term plan to transform the Great West Road corridor into a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces at Hounslow Council, said:
We want Hounslow to become a haven for artists and creatives to flourish and I am grateful to the Mayor of London for this recognition and funding to help us achieve our goal.
Building on our new ten-year Culture Strategy, Hounslow’s reputation as a leading London borough for arts, culture and heritage is cemented. I hope now we can realise our ambition to win London Borough of Culture.
Creative Enterprise West has already supported more than 22,000 creative jobs locally, particularly in film, TV, digital and media. The Council has also played a central role in delivering over 3,000 sqm of creative workspace, including Brentford’s Digital Dock and new artist studios at Chiswick House and Gardens.
Councillor Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Assets, Regeneration and Development at Hounslow Council, added:
Hounslow is already home to hundreds of talented artists, makers and creative businesses, and this funding boost will help us build on that strong foundation. By investing in affordable creative space and supporting our growing cultural economy, we are ensuring Hounslow remains a place where creative businesses can land, grow and thrive.
This investment will not only support jobs and innovation but also play a vital role in our wider regeneration ambitions and strengthening Hounslow’s identity as a dynamic and inclusive borough.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said:
Artists and creatives are at the heart of our capital’s success, and our Creative Enterprise Zones are helping them to put down roots with affordable spaces. Creative Enterprise West has been hugely successful, and this further investment will protect and grow creative workspaces, boosting jobs and local businesses. We’re proud that across London, our zones are on course to deliver nearly 80,000sqm affordable long-term space by 2028, supporting hundreds of creative businesses and helping young Londoners to develop their careers in the creative industries, as we build a better London for everyone.
Find out more and get in touch via https://goldenmile.london/our-story/creative-enterprise-zone/
