We're supporting a range of projects that will explore the London borough’s rich heritage. Communities are invited to share their stories of what it is like to live and work in Newham, preserving their heritage for future generations.

The social and economic benefits of these heritage-led projects are truly far-reaching.

Taryn Nixon, the Heritage Fund Trustee and Chair of England, London & South Committee

Community-focused projects

Creating Futures at Alice Billings House, Stratford – £467,172 development funding

We have awarded development funding towards a proposed £2,726,177 regeneration project. Creative Land Trust aim to bring this Grade II listed building back to life, which has stood vacant for over 10 years. The new space will host around 80 artists and makers, as well as an exhibition space, community café, education programme and landscaped courtyard.

Full Cycle, Forest Gate – £44,400 delivery funding

Full Cycle will look at the unique cycling heritage of Forest Gate through the lens of Edward Ernest Etty, better known as Ted. At 95 years old, he has owned Etty & Tyler motor and cycle repair shop in Newham since the 1950s and has witnessed over 70 years of changing socio-political and cultural trends. The project, led by participatory arts organisation Frames of Mind, will create a documentary film, archive and cycling heritage trail to preserve Ted’s legacy.

Ted said: “I’ve always been mechanically minded. Trends come and go, but the workings of the bicycle have basically stayed the same. I’m really pleased that my stories will be preserved for good… I’ve got a lot of them!”

140 Years of Stratford East, Stratford – £238,108 delivery funding

This project will celebrate the iconic theatre's milestone birthday in 2024. It was the first permanent playhouse in Stratford and its impact on British theatre and East London will be explored. Working with the community, the project will uncover and share memories to help bring its history to life. It will deliver a range of engaging events, as well as much-needed repairs to the auditorium.

Forest Lane Park, Forest Gate – £86,541 development funding

Newham Council has received initial support towards a £1million project to transform Forest Lane Park, offering a new sensory garden and growing space for the community. The site is important for local biodiversity and 50% of the space will be dedicated to letting nature thrive. The project will also celebrate the pioneering work of local activist Lucel Tate.

Creating local pride

We have been working with organisations in Newham since 2019. At that time, it was identified as an Area of Focus – a place that has historically had lower levels of investment, with the potential to engage people in heritage for the first time.

To date, the Heritage Fund has invested over £15m into supporting Newham’s heritage. This includes Newham Heritage Month, an annual festival that brings together organisations, artists and community groups to showcase what makes Newham special to them.

Taryn Nixon, Trustee and Chair of England, London & South Committee, said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, the funding has helped to forge new partnerships and bring a wide range of individuals and organisations together to celebrate their heritage, for now and for the future.

"The social and economic benefits of these heritage-led projects are truly far-reaching. They will have an impact, not just throughout Stratford and Forest Gate, but right across Newham.”

We fund heritage-led regeneration projects

If you're considering a project that will transform a place, or records part of your local community heritage, you can apply for a grant. Explore other projects we've funded in London & South, or get in touch to discuss your idea.