Croydon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A new creative hub has opened inside Centrale Shopping Centre, marking an addition to Croydon’s Creative Enterprise Zone and boosting cultural development.
Centrale will provide small creative companies and artists in the area with an inexpensive space to work, create, and host events.
Organizations that promote the arts and innovation will be able to rent the lower-ground-floor space, which will be utilized by organizations such as the Croydon Creative Network.
Its inaugural initiative is “Made By Croydon,” a four-week celebratory market featuring art prints, handcrafted jewelry, sustainable skincare products, food presents, and accessories from local artists.
Flora Oworu, of Flakies Fashion, said:
“There’s no other space like this where we can afford to showcase our art.
It’s been brilliant to be part of this and have this exposure.”
Esther Julius, of Starest Natural Skincare, added:
“This space is absolutely amazing.
We’ve used it to show our talent.
It’s wonderful to have a place here in Croydon where we can shine and meet other artists.”
The hub was opened on November 26 by Croydon’s Executive Mayor, Jason Perry, who said:
“Croydon’s creativity has always been one of our borough’s greatest assets, and this new space for local artists is a fantastic step forward in supporting local entrepreneurs.”
In 2018, Croydon became one of the first Creative Enterprise Zones as part of a Mayor of London initiative to provide reasonably priced workspace for cultural enterprises and artists.
Since then, the borough has seen the opening of almost 4,000 square meters of creative space, including studios, performance spaces, and facilities for digital training.
The capital now has twelve Creative Enterprise Zones.
Lizzy Lambie, Chair of Croydon’s Creative Enterprise Zone, said:
“I am proud to be part of opening a space that feels both supportive and full of possibility.
With dedicated creative workspace, event areas, collaboration opportunities, and hands-on training, this unit is here to help Croydon’s creators grow with confidence and continue strengthening our borough’s creative economy.
Watch this space!”
Executive Mayor of Croydon Jason Perry said:
“Croydon’s creativity has always been one of our borough’s greatest assets, and this new space for local artists is a fantastic step forward in supporting local entrepreneurs.
It will help Croydon as it continues to grow into a destination for culture and innovation, which we are supporting through Croydon’s Growth Plan.”
Which organisations can partner with the Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone?
Croydon Creative Enterprise Zone( CEZ), managed by the independent Croydon Creative Enterprise CIC, mates with associations across its four pillars space, chops business support, policy, and community to grow the creative sector.
Visual trades, developer makers, music, performing trades, tech sector enterprises, freelancers, and entrepreneurs via the free Croydon Creative Directory class network. realities offering workspaces, workrooms, or property support for creatives.
Seminaries, sodalities( e.g., The BRIT School for careers roadshows), and training providers for chops development/ externships. Enterprise agencies, enterprise/ chops advisers , and marketable mates abetting growth. Original networks, venues, suppliers, and amenity societies for events shops.