Creative Enterprise Zone

Creative Enterprise Zones are places in London where:

• artists and creative businesses can access permanent, affordable workspace
• local creative enterprises are supported to start, grow and thrive
• residents can learn creative skills and connect with new job opportunities.

Learn more about Creative Enterprise Zones.

Hackney Wick and Lower Lea Valley Creative Enterprise Zone

The Zone was established in 2018 as the Hackney Wick and Fish Island (HWFI) Creative Enterprise Zone. It is delivered in partnership with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the London Borough of Hackney. This Zone helps protect and grow one of London’s best‑known creative neighbourhoods.

The area is a home to a growing creative community. Of nearly 500 creative businesses based in the Zone, 96 per cent work in creative production. Most are micro or small enterprises.

Since the Zone launched:

• creative jobs have grown by 140 per cent
• the number of creative businesses has increased by 30 per cent. 

In 2025, the Zone expanded into the Leaside in Tower Hamlets. It created stronger links between local creative businesses, the wider economy and local residents.

The expanded Hackney Wick and Lower Lea Valley Creative Enterprise Zone continues to deliver social, environmental and economic benefits and cross‑sector partnerships.

For more information, please email business.support@towerhamlets.gov.uk