Leading New Cross and Deptford Creative Enterprise Zone secures future with reaccreditation

First designated in 2018, the CEZ has safeguarded and created affordable workspace, supported creative practitioners and opened pathways into the creative industries, working hand‑in‑hand with local partners. As a result, the New Cross and Deptford CEZ has seen an increase of £16m in turnover since 2019.

Lewisham's CEZ has championed and safeguarded affordable workspace through a distinctive offer; working alongside partners, the planning authority and other service areas to maximise impact for local creatives and the wider community.

An example of this is Cockpit Deptford, which with backing from the Council and Mayor of London, turned a 1960s council building into an amazing maker and art space that's now home to over 100 creatives. This award winning transformation was supported by a £2.3m investment through the Good Growth Fund and STRIDE and would not have been possible without the CEZ.

(Cockpit Deptford, photo by Max Crease)

To support this growing community and as part of the CEZ, SHAPESLewisham, an arts network, was established in 2019. Since then, it has evolved into a vital platform showcasing over 500 creatives to an audience of more than 5,000 online followers and 27,000 annual website visitors.

The network hosts events and exhibitions, shares job and funding opportunities and features a comprehensive directory of local creatives and workspaces.

Additional highlights of the CEZ to date, include:
• 955 businesses have received support via programmes delivered in the CEZ, led directly by partners Goldsmiths, University of London, Cockpit, and The Albany.

• £2.65 million has been invested to create and safeguard affordable workspace across the CEZ space for over 250 artists. Working with Art Hub and Cockpit Studios alone, we have delivered 35,000 square feet of new space for 200+ artists.

• The Mornington Centre, an underused public space has been transformed into accessible, affordable studios now serving 120 creatives under Art Hub and the co-locating Arts Network, which offers art facilities and programmes to those with mental health issues.

• New Cross and Deptford saw 185 new creative roles created between 2020 and 2023, supporting creatives through the COVID-19 period. 

• The Cockpit creative business programme supported 55 SMEs to bring 33 new products to market, safeguarded 41 jobs and created six new roles. 

• The Army of Creatives visited 12 secondary schools, delivering 79 sessions and engaging more than 3,300 Year 9 students. We also provided 843 paid days of employment to local young people (16 to 25 years), paying over £92,000 in wages. 

• £30,000 is being invested in new public art celebrating local creatives for Deptford High Street.

Looking forward, the CEZ is about long term impact and growing Lewisham's creative industries for generations to come. The Council has invested £50,000 to establish SHAPESLewisham CIC, a legacy vehicle that will deepen community involvement and increase participation from under‑represented groups. This year, it will open its first physical space on Deptford High Street as a welcoming hub for creatives, businesses and the community.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 
“Culture is in the DNA of our great city. Creative Enterprise Zones have transformed London’s culture scene from grassroots level, protecting local artists, making workspaces more sustainable and creating more jobs. It is vital that we continue to invest in our creative future, providing opportunities for young and emerging talent to thrive. This investment will ensure that artists and creatives can stay in the capital, are supported to start-up and grow, and can help Londoners develop a range of creative skills, as we continue to build a better and fairer London for everyone.”
 
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: 
“London is a thriving creative capital, powering our economy, creating jobs and bringing communities together. Artists and creatives are at the heart of this success, but in the face of great challenges our Creative Enterprise Zones are helping them to put down roots with affordable spaces. 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.

Councillor Ese Erheriene, Lewisham Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Jobs and Skills said:
“Lewisham’s creative scene is an integral part of what makes our borough so unique. The reaccreditation of the New Cross and Deptford CEZ recognises the work we’ve done in protecting affordable workspace, backing creative businesses, and opening doors for young people. With SHAPESLewisham CIC and new space on Deptford High Street, we’re proud to be an inclusive home for creatives. And we’ll continue building a legacy that’s locally rooted and accessible to all.”

Co-Founder of Acme Artist Studios, David Panton OBE said: 
“One of the wondrous things about Acme is that it was an idea that grew as itself. It is the self-reliance and initiative of artists that drives everything forward. We provide the back-up, but everyone has a role to play – everyone is vital.”