Mayor's Newham Show
Date: 12 July 2008
Time: 9.00am - 6.00pm
Location: Central Park, East Ham
On Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 July we visited the Mayor of Newham’s Show. The event was a bustle of activity including music, funfair rides and fashion shows. With the help of some fantastic Newham volunteers, we spoke to 450 people including Newham residents and some from further afield.
We were located in a large marquee which had all of our bike displays with interactive panels, as well as the Olympic Park masterplanning game. We also had a children’s area with model-making which turned out to be very popular, even with some of the mums and dads.
The issues that were raised at the Newham show arose from current concerns about what is lacking in the local area. These centred on activities and facilities for young people, maintenance of green spaces, community services and infrastructure.
We took our Olympic Park masterplanning game to get people thinking about how they thought the Park should be laid out and had lots of interesting comments:
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“I learnt that we need to have a strong community focus. Schools and community centres are essential. Business and offices will be an added value. This interactive session made the whole experience of Stratford City real. Thanks.”
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“Very good way of getting to hard choices. The rules are too strict on housing. Also, we should have been able to have option to put housing on stadium site to free up land for public space elsewhere.”
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“I would very much like to get involved and participate in the planning of the Olympic village [Park]. I very much enjoyed the interactive game. Thank you very much. The team was excellent.”
We also wanted to know if people had any big ideas for the park and here are a selection:
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“Set up a scheme where those on social services learn new skills and are trained in growing vegetables for the local community.”
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“A good and bright future for children and youths. More sports facilities will help us beat crime and drugs.”
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“Turn the Olympic stadium into a rollerskating venue. There used to be one in Newham but it has closed. It is good for fitness and, in the evening, could be a roller disco thereby keeping people off the streets.”
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“An international food court with many types of cuisine from all over the world to reflect the diversity of culture in Newham. Eg. Europe, UK, Caribbean, Asian, Middle Eastern.”
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“Make the banks of the canal available for people to use - for viewing wildlife and for sitting. Don't block the edges with development. Leave them open for others to use and see.”
Newham also told us how the Olympic Legacy can benefit the local area:
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“Bring more entertainment, activities, and jobs to the area. Hopefully better transport links.”
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“Create opportunities for young people.”
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“It will be cleaner with no tipping or mattresses on the side of the road. Free collection of bulk to keep it tidy.”
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“Create jobs and a better landscape.”
For more information and photos about our roadshow and masterplanning game, please click here.
