Full stream ahead with Stratford City development

July 2008

A meeting at Downing Street has sealed the future of the Westfield Stratford City development. Prime Minister Gordon Brown gave the thumbs up to the £1.5 billion development, recognising that it will bring real benefits to our residents.

John Lewis, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, as well as other retail, leisure and entertainment provision, will draw shoppers from across London and will give regeneration across the whole borough a boost. What matters to me is that you all benefit from this investment - and I am confident that new jobs, incredible transport links and leisure opportunities, will transform the whole of Newham. But as a council we aren't taking this for granted and are working hard to transform the investment into real change on the ground.

Workplace is just one of the initiatives we've brought in to focus the burgeoning new job market on local people. Stratford is already being talked about as the new heart of east London, with this development expecting to become one of the best places to shop in London. We now have a real opportunity to make life better for residents, while showcasing to the world what a great place this is.