Newham regeneration project boosting economy and delivering social value

London borough Newham is already seeing the benefits of a £3.7bn regeneration project, as a development has delivered significant social value to the area, according to new figures.  

Developer The English Cities Fund (ECF) is working on a new residential neighbourhood, Manor Road Quarter in Canning Town, with 804 new homes, half of which will be made affordable, as well as a two-acre park and cycle lanes to be built.  

ECF has now revealed the impact the development is having on the area, as local firms have been chosen for building materials and equipment, generating £2.7m for a local concrete supplier.  

Spend in the local community has also increased, with the 300 site workers visiting local cafes and shops, leading to £400,000 being spent in the first year of construction.  

Through close collaboration with Newham Council’s local recruiter Our Newham Work, the ECF has provided jobs to the local area, with 65 of 125 full-time workers coming directly from Newham. For many on site, Manor Road Quarter has helped to introduce them to the construction sector, with 27 apprentices, 13 work experience placements and three graduates on board.  

ECF’s main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction have also taken part in eight events at local college, providing students with a view into the regeneration and construction sector. Over 1,300 students have been reached for careers talks of supporting careers advice days.  

Elizabeth Wright, senior development manager at ECF, said: ‘The project team has developed fantastic links with the local community and together we’re making a tangible difference in terms of training, skills, mentoring with the community in Canning Town. The local spend figures are also having a positive impact and we will continue to explore ways we can make sure our regeneration delivers on our aspiration to be an exemplar in terms of social value  

‘As a business and a partnership, we’re committed to delivering brighter, happier and kinder places through the work we do, but also by providing opportunities for all in communities too. Our collective work here at the Manor Road Quarter is a prime example of our approach and we look forward to bringing more opportunities as we progress.’  

Both ECF and Morgan Sindall Construction have engaged with New Life Wood too, which is part of the National Community Wood Recyling, so excess timber can be repurposed into new products which are donated to the local homeless charity Caritas Anchor House.  

Photo provided by ECF