Shape Newham Projects
Shape Newham launched in 2019 to co-design and install imaginative and original public space improvement projects across the borough. Local residents and businesses were invited to a series of community events and workshops to choose the location and priorities for each project.
The community co-design process led to a variety of projects that were installed between 2021 and 2023. This included three Shape Newham installations in Manor Park and Little Ilford that are located along the Romford Road.
For more information on the Shape Newham programme, including information on the community engagement process and locations of all the projects across Newham please visit the Shape Newham page.
Information on the Shape Newham projects in Manor Park and Little Ilford can be found below.
Murmurations
Located at Manor Park Library, Romford Road
*Photo coming soon
Murmurations are large groups of starlings that twist, turn, swoop and swirl across the sky in beautiful shape shifting clouds. The artists used this as symbols for movement, journeys, freedom, migration and connecting with others. This is an important theme for residents of Manor Park because of the cultural diversity that exists within the community and the need to celebrate it but also bring everyone together.
The colour scheme was derived from native birds seen on Wanstead flats. The imagery used in the window display was created during community workshops held at the library. The installation is presented as a collage of abstract and narrative form. With the introduction of the stylised figure into the window designs and on the footway offering a further reference to the library as a focal point for community.
Murmurations was designed by Small Change (Liz Clough and Sophie Rigg). Installation was completed in Spring 2021.
Light House
Located on the Romford Road between Herbet Road and Greenhill Grove
*Photo coming soon
Light House is a series of bespoke lanterns that illuminate Romford Road at night and reflect on the architectural features of Manor Park.
The work draws on the shapes, colours, and architectural elements from across the area that evoke visual, historical, and cultural references found in the area. These include the columns of Old Manor Park Library, the roof of the Sri Murugan Temple, the shadows of shop awnings, the rooflines of Victorian terraces and the stacks of car tyres in garages nearby. Light House is an opportunity to pause, think and celebrate Manor Park.
Light House was designed by Anne Harild and installation was completed in Autumn 2023.
The Pollution Gate
Located on the Romford Road, near Grantham Road
*Photo coming soon
The Pollution Gate is designed to make passers by think twice about the quality of air that we breathe. This issue was highlighted by the residents of Little Ilford, who asked us to emphasise health as the priority for their area.
The Pollution Gate acts as a shelter from not only sun and rain but also from pollution; the paintwork includes a technology which breaks down harmful pollution into salts. The gateway points the way to a better future; increasing travel choice, encouraging clean streets, and flagging the need for measures to reduce levels of pollution.
The Pollution Gate was designed by Office S&M and installation was completed in Summer 2023.