Zone29 opens at University of Westminster to boost careers and business collaboration

In line with The Mayor of London’s Growth Plan, the development champions sustainable and inclusive skills and economic growth, while showcasing student-centred innovation and adaptability which make London the higher education capital of the world.

The innovative concept of Zone29 has been developed to give Westminster students real-life work experiences and industry connections as part of their studies. At the same time, it helps local and global businesses unlock economic growth by easily reaching and developing diverse talent with future-proof skills.

At Zone29, students, graduates and the local community have access to sector-leading digital facilities, collaboration and event spaces, and work-related workshops and experiences to help them reach their full entrepreneurial and career potential. As part of their courses, Westminster students are also given real-life briefs set by employers in a professional environment facilitated by Zone29, preparing them for the world of work and boosting their CVs, while earning credits towards their degrees.

Fuelling innovation and growth, Zone29 is a one-stop shop where businesses can engage with diverse talent, access apprenticeships, short courses and bespoke training programmes to upskill their workforce and connect with research experts. Organisations can work in partnership with the University's research experts to develop new products, test innovative concepts and gain new perspectives on business challenges. These services are delivered by Westminster’s world-leading researchers and experts, offering cutting-edge knowledge and skills, as well as access to specialist, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

The ground-floor café at Zone29 is easily accessible to the public and offers a wide selection of refreshments, snacks and lunch options, as well as Ozone coffee - a speciality coffee roaster that holds sustainable and ethical production at its core - providing further space to forge connections or unwind between activities. Zone29 is located in the UK’s entrepreneurial hotspot at 29 Marylebone Road opposite Baker Street underground station and Madame Tussauds.

The inclusive nine-storey building, which the Office for Students and the Quitin Hogg Trust helped fund, has prioritised sustainability since the start. The site was originally made up of two adjoining buildings which were extended and redeveloped to avoid the carbon impact of a new build, reflecting the University’s strategic commitment to sustainability. The deep retrofit project - carried out by Morgan Sindall Construction and funded by the University, the Office for Students and the Quintin Hogg Trust - resulted in a low carbon, low emissions building with good air quality and daylighting, supporting both sustainability and wellbeing. A green roof was incorporated at the 9th floor, with bird and bat boxes integrated throughout to enhance biodiversity in the heart of London.

Photo: Zone29 connected students with finance industry leaders in one of the first industry events

Muhammad Barik Ullah, University of Westminster Students’ Union Vice President, said: “Zone29 represents a transformative opportunity for Westminster students, bridging the gap between education and employment. Having a dedicated space that brings together employers, workshops, creative facilities, and real-world experience is invaluable for building confidence and practical skills without adding pressure on top of academic and work commitments.

“The environment at Zone29 feels like a genuine professional workplace, helping students picture themselves succeeding in those spaces and feel truly career ready. And because graduates retain access to facilities like podcasting studios, digital labs and maker spaces, graduation isn't a cliff edge but a start of continued growth.”

Penny Alexander, CEO of Baker Street Quarter Partnership, which represents businesses around Zone29, said: “A facility rooted in the local area and focused on forging strong links between businesses, students and the wider community is genuinely exciting. We can clearly see how Zone29 will foster mutually beneficial collaborations, with many member businesses keen to share their expertise and create opportunities for students. Local organisations will also benefit from access to talent, training, fresh thinking and digital facilities, and we very much look forward to continuing to work with the University to support this vision.”

Linsey Cole, Director of Business Engagement and Graduate Futures at the University, said: “Zone29 is a major step forward in our mission to connect our diverse community of students from all campuses, courses and levels of study with each other, employers and the local community to create meaningful pathways into successful graduate careers. Its launch marks an important step in advancing equality, diversity and wellbeing, social inclusion and decent work for all. Zone29 embodies the values that sit at the heart of our mission and aligns directly with our Being Westminster 2022–2029 strategy and UN Sustainable Development Goal commitments. I’m excited to see how our community will make the most of this sector-leading space of careers and enterprise.”

Professor Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, said: “I’m very pleased to see Zone29, our innovative new home for careers and enterprise next to our Marylebone Campus, come to fruition and open. Zone29 will be transformational for our students and be a hugely important facility to drive collaboration between students’ businesses and our local community to enhance relationships and create employment opportunities.”

Zone29 contributes to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Zone29.

To explore collaboration opportunities with the University or for enquiries about spaces at Zone29, email [email protected].