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Creative Industries in Westminster

In 2006, as part of the research base for the emerging Local Development Framework (LDF) and revised Economic Development Strategy (EDS), the City Council commissioned GVA Grimley LLP and Burns Owens Partnership (BOP) to undertake the first comprehensive study into the form, function and economic contribution of the creative industries to the City.

The Study is intended to help us understand the future requirements of the creative industries and design appropriate planning and economic development policies to maintain and enhance them. The Study consisted of a desk top policy analysis, detailed economic analysis, a series of case studies to illustrate the creative industries in Westminster, a telephone survey of 600 businesses and over 30 face-to-face interviews with businesses and development agencies.

The study confirms that Westminster is one of the most successful creative hubs in the world and that Westminster is an attractive location for creative businesses of all types for the not unexpected reasons of: centrality, connectivity, density of businesses and consumers and availability of talent. Despite these strengths, however, the Study suggests that there is no room for complacency if Westminster and indeed London is to retain its position as a pre-eminent global hub in the creative economy.

The research reveals a range of issues which are adversely affecting creative businesses and their decisions to locate or stay in Westminster. The issues and recommendations will be fully debated and subjected to full consultation through the Local Development Framework process. 


For related information, please follow this link to the Arts and Entertainment in Westminster section.