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East Ham High Street

Towards a Cleaner, Safer, Greener Future

An arch over a high street reads High streets play a crucial role in supporting local economies and social infrastructure and have become a key focus for investment and policy intervention. They are, according to Newham's Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, the lifeblood of our communities, with 90% of Londoners living within 10 minutes of one of the capital's 600 high streets. But high streets face significant challenges, including the cost-of-living crisis, post-pandemic recovery, shifts in working and shopping practices, and the climate crisis. 

East Ham High Street in the London Borough of Newham is no exception. Commissioned by local MP Sir Stephen Timms and supported by funding from Queen Mary University of London, this report summarizes research findings and identifies key recommendations about how East Ham High Street can be maintained and developed as a lively heart of the borough that is socially inclusive, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable. For the High Street to thrive in the future, efforts need to focus on making it cleaner, safer and greener.

East Ham high street on a summer's dayResidents and stakeholders share concerns primarily about cleanliness, safety and the lack of green space on East Ham High Street. Addressing these concerns would enable the High Street to become a more welcoming and inclusive destination for people and support business investment and the local economy. Research participants shared a wide range of ideas about how to improve the high street and maximise its potential for inclusive local growth and to bring communities together. 

The research was completed by academics and undergraduate students in the Department of Geography & Environmental Science (Alison Blunt, Alastair Owens, Emmanuella Boma, Kavita Datta and Mahirah Khanom) and supported by Chris Hall, QM's Public Affairs Lead. The project was funded by QM's Centre for Public Engagement, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (student bursary scheme) and the Doctoral College's STRIDE (Summer Training Research Initiative to Support Diversity and Equality) programme. 

Download and read the full report:

East Ham High Street Towards a Cleaner, Safer, Greener Future [PDF 2,542KB]

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