Last updated: 27 April 2026
Next review: 27 April 2027
Originally designated in 2021, Blackhorse Lane became one of London’s Creative Enterprise Zones (CEZ), an innovative Mayor of London programme designed to help artists and creative businesses put down roots locally and thrive. In 2023, the zone was formally launched as Blackhorse Collective, reflecting the area’s strong maker identity, diverse creative economy, and long-standing tradition of craft and industry.
In January 2026, the Blackhorse Lane Creative Enterprise Zone was reaccredited by the Mayor of London, securing new funding and continued support through to 2028. This renewed commitment recognises the zone’s success to date and its continued potential for growth.
Great work has already been achieved through planning policies that protect the borough’s creative identity in this area. Over the next three years, our focus will shift towards working closely with local partners and stakeholders to deliver a programme of events, marketing activity, skills development, and employment opportunities. Our aim is to empower partners to lead and to ensure residents are supported to participate in, and benefit from, the area’s growing creative economy.
Today, Blackhorse Collective is home to around 180 creative businesses, forming a dynamic cluster that contributes significantly to Waltham Forest’s economic and cultural life. The renewed CEZ status will help ensure that Blackhorse Lane remains a thriving centre of creativity, innovation, and opportunity well into the future.
This short film by local videographer Rua Acorn was commissioned to celebrate the area, showing a day in the life of Blackhorse Lane.
Why this is needed
The creative industries play a vital role in driving the borough’s regeneration ambitions in this location. The designation demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting this unique strength, which has helped make Blackhorse Lane a recognised creative hub at a London-wide level, attracting investment, talent, and visitors from across the capital.
Despite this success, some residents feel disconnected from the opportunities that the creative sector offers. With one in six jobs in London now within the creative industries, ensuring inclusive access to these careers is increasingly important.
The next phase of the Blackhorse Collective aims to close this gap. It will focus on creating more targeted pathways into creative employment for those who need additional support, helping ensure that growth in the sector is as inclusive as possible. This approach will enable local people to benefit directly from the area’s expanding creative economy and maintain Blackhorse Lane as a place where creativity and community thrive together.
Why we are doing this
The development of Blackhorse Lane has been a priority in the council’s Economic Strategy since 2016 and is identified as a key area of transformation in Local Plan Part 1. The long‑term vision has been to shape the area into a vibrant new town centre by strengthening its social and cultural offer, expanding workspace, and enabling the delivery of new homes.
Blackhorse Lane’s heritage of making and creativity has historically driven economic growth. Over recent years, the area has evolved to accommodate an even broader mix of makers and creators, ranging from traditional manufacturers and artists to newer creative businesses, including the growing Blackhorse Lane Beer Mile, which has attracted a range of breweries and independent producers.
The Creative Enterprise Zone designation reinforces the council’s commitment to protecting and expanding this unique ecosystem. It provides a platform to support business growth, create high‑quality jobs, secure affordable workspaces, and sustain the creative diversity that makes Blackhorse Lane such a distinctive and valuable part of the borough.
Get in touch
Speak to our team if you'd like to find out more at regeneration@walthamforest.gov.uk