Mayor Forhad Hussain has declared Newham 'open for business' with the unveiling of Opportunity Newham, a comprehensive strategy designed to channel investment and new developments for the benefit of local residents.
The initiative will foster close collaboration between Newham Council, investors, and developers who share the ambition of improving residents' lives and delivering much-needed high-quality housing. The strategy integrates the Council's planning, regeneration, housing, and employment teams with existing partners and private sector organisations to create a unified approach to maximising the advantages of investment for the local population.
The launch event, an Investors' Breakfast hosted by the London Legacy Development Corporation at the ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, highlighted Newham's future growth and investment aspirations. Contributions were made by Mayor Forhad Hussain, London Legacy Development Corporation Chief Executive Shazia Hussain, and Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth Howard Dawber OBE.
Mayor Forhad Hussain stated, "I want to send a clear message to all investors and developers who share our ambitions and values for Newham – we are open for business. Come and talk to us." He emphasised that Opportunity Newham is a commitment to purposeful growth, ensuring that as Newham attracts investment, its benefits are shared by local people. "We will not measure success simply by the buildings that appear on our skyline. We will measure it by the opportunities created for residents, the businesses that grow, the neighbourhoods that flourish, and the futures that are transformed."
Newham presents a significant opportunity, with Newham Council and its partners having delivered over 13,700 new homes in the past five years, earning recognition as the third-best council housebuilder nationally last year. The borough currently has 24,000 homes with planning consent, and the draft Local Plan targets the delivery of 54,000 homes over the next 15 years.
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, commented, "Newham has a vital role to play in London’s growth, and Opportunity Newham will help turn investment into new homes, good jobs and opportunities for local businesses. By bringing the council, investors and developers together, we can ensure that growth delivers lasting benefits for residents and supports a fairer, more prosperous London for everyone."
