Trustees from the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT) recently visited the Zone29 construction site, which will become the University's new centre for enterprise and career success, as well as the Centre for Nutraceuticals, a pioneering initiative in supplements, sports nutrition and functional foods.
The trustees had the opportunity to explore the construction site for Zone29, the University’s new innovative physical and digital space that connects Westminster’s diverse student talent with the world of business and its local community.
During the visit, trustees saw the progress of the work to refurbish the building, which is due to open in spring 2026. Zone29 aims to create new jobs, enterprises and game-changing collaborations through innovative training, facilities and career opportunities in Westminster, London and beyond.
With a strong focus on accessibility, sustainability and inclusivity, the nine-storey centre, located just across from Westminster’s Marylebone Campus, will bridge the gap between education and industry. Once complete, the building will feature creative spaces to support collaboration and engagement with local businesses, as well as event and exhibition spaces to showcase student enterprise and achievements. It will also host an array of state-of-the-art training facilities, including a digital studio and maker space.
Zone29 will host employer-led events, hands-on training and networking opportunities, offering students and graduates valuable connections while providing businesses and local organisations with a platform for collaboration and growth.
Linsey Cole, Director for Business Engagement at Westminster, said: “Through this collaboration, we are bringing our vision to life and creating a space that is welcoming, fully accessible and inclusive for all, while supporting the local business community. Zone29 is all about connecting students to the outside world and will enable us to take our collaborations with our local community and business to the next level.”
About the tour, Liz Duff, Chair of the QHT Grants Committee, said: ”The trustees appreciated the opportunity to visit Zone29 and see the significant progress that has been made with the development. There's clearly been a tremendous amount of thought and planning to ensure Zone29 provides students and alumni with exceptional support to further their career and job prospects. I think I can say on behalf of my fellow trustees that we enjoyed our visit and are looking forward to seeing the completion of this ambitious transformation.“
Professor Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala speaking with trustees
The visit also offered the trustees an opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art facilities at the University’s Centre for Nutraceuticals, which have recently benefited from substantial redevelopment, including the addition of a clinical suite, sports performance and bioanalytical laboratories.
They met with students who have been undertaking QHT-funded internships at the Centre as part of an innovative initiative designed to provide hands-on industry experience to University of Westminster students across diverse disciplines and levels.
Through this internship programme students gain an immersive experience within a fully operational life sciences and clinical research setting, taking on roles such as reception administrators, laboratory assistants, data analysts, clinical trials assistants and social media officers.
The programme not only equips students with valuable skills but also supports financial limitations associated with unpaid work experience, ensuring a more inclusive environment and a smoother transition from university to industry.
Professor Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala, the driving force behind the Centre and Professor in Translational Physiology at the University of Westminster, demonstrated the timeline of the Centre’s development, showcasing the lengthy and resilient path to its current position. Dr Rumy Begum, Co-lead of the QHT internship project and a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Exercise Science at Westminster, outlined how this project closely interlinks with her other QHT projects related to student access and participation.
Professor Zariwala said: “The Centre for Nutraceuticals remains committed to fostering industry-relevant education and providing students with opportunities that enhance their employability and professional development. The continued support from the QHT plays a crucial role in supporting this mission, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can access high-quality industry experience within a world-class research environment.”
The QHT-funded University projects directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the 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.
Find out more about the University of Westminster's Centre for Nutraceuticals and Zone29.
To find out how to support the University of Westminster get in touch with the Development team.
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