London’s Creative Enterprise Zones to Receive £2.2 Million Investment

New funding extends support to nine zones

London’s Creative Enterprise Zones, introduced by the Mayor of London in 2018, are set to receive an additional £2.2 million to expand and protect affordable studio and workspace across the capital. The investment is intended to help reverse the decline in artist studios and increase the supply of long‑term creative space.

The funding forms part of a wider effort to deliver nearly 80,000 square metres of affordable creative workspace by 2028. Nine zones, including Croydon, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham, Lambeth, Hounslow, Ealing, Waltham Forest, Haringey and Hammersmith and Fulham, will share £630,000, with £550,000 of that provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The support will enable these areas to develop new workspace, offer business support and influence planning policy in favour of cultural activity.

The Creative Enterprise Zones model was established in response to rising rents and redevelopment pressures that have reduced studio provision. According to previous assessments, the first six zones saw creative businesses grow by 22% between 2018 and 2021, in contrast with declines across the wider London creative sector.

As part of the new funding package, £250,000 has been allocated to Acme Artist Studios to support the purchase and development of the Propeller Factory in Deptford, creating what is expected to be London’s largest permanent affordable studio site. A further £1.35 million will be made available later in the year to support long‑term capital investment, including building upgrades, equipment and energy‑efficiency improvements.

The investment represents a continued effort to safeguard affordable creative workspace and support the long‑term growth of London’s cultural sector.