North Paddington Zone

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 continues to 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 businesses will have the chance to:

• Be one of 40 creative business owners and artists based in the borough (trading for at least a year) to receive 4 hours of free one-to-one business mentoring from industry coaches.
• Access a complimentary Re:Create Business Skills E-learning course focused on 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.

North Paddington Creates recap

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

• £120K Grant funding for local artists & organisations
• 15 Local artists & organisations supported
• 200+ Volunteering opportunities
• 118 Unique events held
• 4,800+ Programme Attendance

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, we invite you to be part of our creative enterprise community.

Sign up to receive regular creative sector updates from Westminster City Council, including events, news, and business support.

Join the Westminster Creatives Network.

Resources for creative businesses

To explore opportunities for grant funding, visit the Grant Funding Opportunities page.

If you would like to report a cultural asset which is at risk, or learn what London City Hall is doing to safeguard London’s culture, visit Support for Culture and Community Spaces at Risk.

Contact the Zone

Get involved today and help us shape the vision for the North Paddington Creative Enterprise Zone:

• Sign up for the North Paddington CEZ newsletter
• Get in touch with the team at [email protected].

Meet the North Paddington Zone's creative ambassadors – local champions who connect the community, support creative talent and help shape the Zone.