• Council has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the development of Forest Lane Park.
- Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to: restore and celebrate the park’s heritage, enhance local use and improve biodiversity.
Development funding of £86,541 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help Newham Council progress plans to develop Forest Lane Park and apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.
The project aims to restore and celebrate the park’s notable heritage and increase the significance of the site for local biodiversity by connecting the site’s green infrastructure to adjoining wildlife corridors. An educational programme is also planned and aims to offer learning and skill development workshops as well as volunteering opportunities.
Forest Lane Park has a unique heritage, it once formed the grounds of the Forest Gate Industrial School – a workhouse for poor children from all over East London. On the closure of the Industrial School in 1905, the building became a workhouse and later, a maternity hospital.
A wooden statue of pioneering community activist Lucel Tate stood by the lake until recently and was a well-loved monument. Lucel Tate was a Midwife in the Forest Gate Maternity Hospital and later started the Hibiscus Community that has delivered bespoke services to the elderly Caribbean community for over 25 years.
Commenting on the award, Councillor James Asser, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainable Transport said:
“I’m delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to the National Lottery.
“We hope that the development of Forest Lane Park will transform the local experience and understanding of the park’s rich heritage which is of great importance to the local community and add to the enjoyment of everyone using park.
“The local Forest Gate community have been key to the success of this funding. Their input, ideas and feedback relating to the content of the application were key and we will continue to work with them throughout the development phase to ensure that local residents reap the benefits”.
The redevelopment of Forest Lane Park forms part of Newham Council’s wider plan to create a greener, cleaner borough.