• Newham Council invites residents to join the effort to revitalise historically significant green space.
• Project will work with the community in uncovering the park's history and shape its future.
• A new statue honouring Lucel Tate will ensure her legacy is remembered for future generations.
Newham Council is encouraging residents to take part in the Forest Lane Park Restoration Project, a major initiative aimed at revitalising one of the borough’s most historically rich green spaces.
Launching this month, the Council, in partnership with landscape architects Arkwood, will work with local residents and community groups to uncover the park's hidden histories and gather ideas for the park’s future. This will culminate in October with a showcase of initial designs, which will be shared for feedback.
Councillor Sarah Ruiz, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Sustainable Transport, Children Services and Education, said: "The Forest Lane Park Restoration Project is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together and shape the future of one of Newham’s most treasured green spaces. This project not only honours the park’s rich history but also looks forward, making the park easier to use while boosting local wildlife. I’m particularly proud that we’ll be creating a new statue to celebrate Lucel Tate, a remarkable community activist whose legacy deserves to be remembered and shared with future generations. I encourage all residents to get involved and have their voices heard!"
The Forest Lane Park Restoration Project will also improve how the park can be used and its biodiversity. The centrepiece of the project will be the creation of a new statue dedicated to Lucel Tate, who worked at the maternity hospital in the 1970s and was a prominent community activist. This statue will stand as a testament to her contributions and ensure that her story is shared with future generations.
Forest Lane Park was originally open fields used for agriculture, transforming in the 1840s with the arrival of the railway and eventually becoming home to an Industrial School for orphaned and abandoned children. In the early 20th Century, the site served as a maternity hospital until its closure in 1985. Despite bomb damage during World War II, the park has evolved into the tranquil space we see today, featuring ponds, pathways and woodland areas.
The restoration project will continue into 2025, with final design proposals expected to be unveiled toward the end of the year. A testing phase in 2026 will introduce activities to the park to determine what works best for the community, with full restoration works anticipated to begin in 2027.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Forest Lane Park Restoration Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Newham residents are encouraged to share their views and contribute to the restoration plans by completing an online survey, participating in park workshops and attending community meetings. For more information and to get involved, please visit the website: https://newhamco-create.co.uk/en/projects/forest-lane-park; or email: ForestLanePark@arkwoodltd.co.uk
