LONDON, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- London has set up creative enterprise zones for the first time to help the British capital remain a creative and forward-looking city for the future, London Mayor Sadiq Khan announced Friday.
The zones in Lambeth, Croydon, Hounslow, Lewisham, Haringey, Hackney Wick will see 11 million pounds of funding to support artists, small creative businesses and local people, creating 3,500 jobs and 1,000 education and training opportunities.
The creative sector is growing faster than any other sector in the UK economy and provides one in six jobs in London. During a time of uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the creative enterprise zones are expected to provide investment and support for creative businesses in the capital, ensuring that London remains one of the most entrepreneurial and innovative business centers in the world.
"Culture and creativity are vital to the success of our city, but it can be difficult for artists and creative businesses to stay in an area as it develops. Creative enterprise zones will help the capital remain a creative and forward-looking city for the future," Khan said.
"These new zones will create much-needed affordable workspace, turning these areas into creative hubs and providing job and training opportunities that will ensure that the local community benefits from growth. They will ensure that artists and entrepreneurs, regardless of background, will be given the support they need and become our creative leaders of the future," Khan added. (one pound currently equals to 1.25 U.S. dollars)
