Discover how we support our local community by addressing skills gaps, caring for the environment, providing opportunities for marginalised groups and more.
Removing barriers
We have a rich history of engaging with organisations, charities, social enterprises and community groups to provide opportunities, raise awareness of positive causes and contribute towards a healthy society.
Upskilling all corners of the community
We work in partnership with local organisations to offer programmes to marginalised groups and individuals in the local community, so they can gain the skills that London’s employers desire. These include digital skills, enterprise skills and green skills.
Together, we could make a real difference
Represent a business or community organisation? Let's explore opportunities – the benefits could be mutual and far-reaching.
Community success stories
Here are two of the many ground-breaking partnerships that have energised local communities.
Replacing inequality with opportunity
We support the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (LCCI) Black Business Association (BBA) and Asian Business Association (ABA) to address inequalities and provide opportunities.
Read moreGo to London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Partnership page
Empowering women in the community
We've partnered with The Rebel School and Netcompany to launch free digital upskilling and business programmes that empower underrepresented women from diverse backgrounds.
Read moreGo to Westminster launches community programmes news page
Too many women are told they can’t start a business because they don’t have money, the right background, or the right education. This partnership is about proving that opportunity isn’t about privilege – it’s about action.
We're proud to deliver vital digital upskilling and entrepreneurship training to our local communities. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to widening access, tackling inequality and creating opportunities for all.
A diverse borough
Our diverse student and graduate talent pool is a reflection of the multicultural London borough we live in. Figures provided by the City of Westminster.
people live in Westminster
languages spoken
of residents are considered an ethnic minority
people can visit the borough each day
Help us make a bigger impact
Discover how you could support Zone29 to provide further opportunities in the local community.
Narrowing skills gaps
Zone29 helps to address skills gaps at national, local and organisational levels.
Bridging skills gaps in London
Upskill, reskill and gain professional qualifications. Some short courses explicitly support the city's skills gaps and national security efforts, like AI and cyber security.
Delivering programmes shaped by industry
Courses directly respond to national and local skills needs and are informed by local organisations, employer roundtables and leading business networks.
Solving organisational problems
We work directly with employers to address sector and organisational challenges. They can access talent, exchange knowledge, raise awareness and get project support.
It's our responsibility to equip the next generation with the tools and experience to increase their chances of progress and inclusion.
Upskilling the local community
Through collaborations with partner organisations and a new dedicated space for careers and enterprise, we help to address local skills gaps by providing the local community with more:
- digital upskilling courses
- entrepreneurship training
- employability and practical skills-based workshops
Widening access to digital tools
Increasing access to digital technologies is key to our inclusivity, equality and wellbeing pledges, equipping more people to realise their professional ambitions.
Our building provides modern digital tools, including a state-of-the-art digital studio. Learn more about our building and spaces.
Building a stronger ecosystem
Zone29 contributes significantly to our University's broader sustainability goals, including working to safeguard our local environment and invigorate the local economy.
Zone29 strengthens one of the University’s core priorities – sustainability. Our student offerings and community initiatives directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These have guided strategic decisions to help our people fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthy society.
Universities are critical in powering research, innovation and responsible talent for a sustainable future. Having received a Gold award for Environmental Management System in 2023, Zone29 will continue to carry the torch towards a sustainable and inclusive path.
For its work on the 17 SDGs, Westminster has been recognised as one of the top 15% of more than 1,400 universities globally.
Our main website details the University’s commitment to sustainable development.
Accessibility was also a key consideration, with each floor now fully accessible through a new lift.
In 2025, Westminster’s Environmental Management System (EMS), which is applied across our estate, received the Platinum Award from EcoCampus for its sustainable planning and performance.
After seven years out of action, our Zone29 building has been responsibly renovated. It reflects the University’s pledge to reuse, refurbish and modernise its existing sites through purpose-built, sustainable and mindful development.
The key sustainability features of our Zone29 building are set to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, with sustainability considered in all aspects of building design and operation. Sustainable Cities and the Urban Environment is also one of the University’s key research areas.
As an example, our building has no boilers. We've taken the energy-efficient approach, with fully electrical systems for heating, cooling and power – and no use of fossil fuels.
Discover more about our building, spaces and environmental sustainability.
As well as creating new enterprise opportunities and upskilling residents to build a more affluent and healthy Westminster, the transformation of a vacant building into a thriving destination will lead to more in-house jobs and increased spending in nearby shops and services.
Zone29 will also work with local organisations to train individuals with the skills that Westminster's employers need to drive economic growth.
We engaged with our neighbours and local council officers while devising building development plans, making significant changes in response. This included limiting the number of daily deliveries, minimising disruption from project works, and amending the building’s facade and roof to complement and lift the immediate townscape.
Our building team, Morgan Sindall Construction, are members of the Considerate Constructors Scheme and signatories of the Code of Considerate Practice, which are overseen by Westminster Council’s environmental team.
For more information about the building's progress, please visit the website of our construction partner, Morgan Sindall.
The refurbished building will support the creation of new jobs and businesses. It will provide new educational opportunities for our diverse student body and the local community.