The planned zones would be mini versions of the national enterprise zones created by the Government and would be used to raise funds to invest in local infrastructure. They would be confined to small, deprived areas and could range from just a single street to an entire estate, said Rowe, according to a report (subscription required) in EGi.
"We are in talks with Government over these local growth zones. It is early days, but we are trying to find a solution. These zones could set benchmarks. They will be able to raise funding for small-scale infrastructure projects," Roe said, according to the report.
Rowe said Westminster had already established an enterprise hub in the Piccadilly area, which provides rental work and event space and facilities to small start-up businesses.
"It is kind of like a big shed. It is very flexible space. It works a little like hot-desking and gives growing businesses a chance to access office space," she said.
The Council is hoping to set up another enterprise hub in the north of the borough, Rowe said.
Editor's note 11/10/12: this story has been amended to include a link to the EGi report which first published this information. We apologise for the omission.
