Leaders from politics and business gathered at City Hall on Monday to celebrate East London. The event saw local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai AM, launch his new pamphlet London Moving East, in which leading voices from across the region contribute their thoughts on what they think the opportunities and challenges are for local communities.
East London has seen rapid change over the last two decades and that is expected to continue. Numerous projects are underway to bring more jobs and houses to the area. These include the development at Wood Wharf which is expected to create 20,000 new jobs and £200 million for local small business.
Economic growth is continuing in Stratford with the Financial Conduct Authority, Transport for London, and UNICEF, amongst those moving their headquarters there. The Royal Docks Enterprise Zone aims to create 60,000 new jobs and 25,000 new homes over the next 20 years. Meanwhile, the Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission aims to bring 1.3 million jobs to the wider Thames Estuary area. Mr Desai hailed the “extraordinary” pace of change in East London but said progress must add to the area’s rich heritage and not erase it.
Attendees present at Monday’s launch event included local councillors, charities, health and education representatives, developers and business groups.
Local London Assembly Member, Unmesh Desai, said:
“The pace of change in East London is extraordinary and exciting. We’re bringing together business, political and public-sector leaders to talk about how our communities can make the most of the opportunities coming our way.
“Our financial services are continuing to grow, we’ve seen a huge amount of regeneration, not least at the Olympic Park, and tens of thousands of new jobs and homes are expected across the region.
“East London has such a rich heritage and we want to ensure that any progress doesn’t erase that but rather adds to it. We don’t want any individual or any community left behind, and this event was about ensuring we seize the opportunities before us for every East Londoner, not the few lucky ones.”
Related documents
London Moving East
Notes to editors
- A copy of the pamphlet London is Moving East can be found attached;
- Over 150 people from the community attended the event. Amongst those in attendance were the Prince’s Trust, the West Ham Foundation, New City College, Vallance Community Sports, Berkeley Homes, Regal London, Port of London Authority, City Airport, Stanstead Airport, London Legacy Development Corporation, London and Partners, Newham CCG and the Stratford Rotary Club;
- 20,000 new jobs and £200 million for local small business are expected from the Wood Wharf development. This information can be found here;
- The Financial Conduct Authority, Transport for London, and UNICEF, amongst those moving their headquarters to Stratford. This information can be found here;
- The Royal Docks Enterprise Zone aims to create 60,000 new jobs and 25,000 new homes over the next 20 years. This information can be found here;
- The Thames Estuary 2050 Growth Commission aims to bring 1.3 million jobs to the wider Thames Estuary area. This information can be found here;
- Unmesh Desai is the London Assembly Member for City & East (covering City of London, Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Barking and Dagenham).
For more information please contact Labour Group Research Support Officer, Nick Wilson on 020 7983 4401. Number not for publication.