Mayor Forhad Hussain launched Opportunity Newham, a new strategy to attract investment, deliver homes and jobs, and ensure local communities benefit from growth and prosperity.
Today, Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain announced that “Newham is open for business” as he unveiled Opportunity Newham – a brand-new approach to ensure that local people benefit from investment and new developments in the borough.
Opportunity Newham will see Newham Council work closely with investors and developers who share its ambitions to improve peoples’ lives and build high-quality housing in the places it’s needed most.
The strategy will unite the Council’s planning, regeneration, housing, and employment teams with existing partners and private sector organisations to provide a joined-up approach to harnessing the benefits of investment for local people.
Newham's future growth and investment ambitions took centre stage today as Newham Council welcomed investors, businesses and key partners to its Investors' Breakfast at the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Hosted by the London Legacy Development Corporation, the event featured contributions from Mayor Forhad Hussain, London Legacy Development Corporation Chief Executive Shazia Hussain, and Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth Howard Dawber OBE.
Mayor of Newham Forhad Hussain said: “I want to send a clear message to all investors and developers who share our ambitions and values for Newham – we are open for business. Come and talk to us.
“Opportunity Newham is our commitment to making sure growth has purpose. That as Newham continues to attract investment and development, the benefits are shared by local people.
“It's about ensuring that every opportunity contributes to a stronger future for our borough, creating prosperity that reaches our communities and leaves a positive legacy for generations to come.
“We will not measure success simply by the buildings that appear on our skyline. We will measure it by the opportunities created for residents, the businesses that grow, the neighbourhoods that flourish, and the futures that are transformed.”
The size of the opportunity in Newham is huge. Over recent years Newham Council and its partners have delivered more than 13,700 new homes over the last five years – and the Council recognised for being the third best council housebuilder in the country last year.
There are currently 24,000 homes already with planning consent, and our draft new Local plan sets a target for delivering 54,000 homes in the borough over the next 15 years.
Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, said: “Newham has a vital role to play in London’s growth, and Opportunity Newham will help turn investment into new homes, good jobs and opportunities for local businesses.
“By bringing the council, investors and developers together, we can ensure that growth delivers lasting benefits for residents and supports a fairer, more prosperous London for everyone.”
