Refurbishment & Regeneration

One of the world’s largest moving sculptures will form part of a £12.9 million improvements scheme by Newham Council that will breathe new life into Stratford ahead of the 2012 Games.

The glittering kinetic sculpture, called The Shoal, will consist of 180 polished titanium leaves mounted 16m up on metal posts. The leaves, which will gently move in the breeze, will run for 450m along Great Eastern Road past Stratford Station and the main shopping centre.

The sculpture is part of an exciting environmental improvements package agreed by Mayor Sir Robin Wales and councillors that will complement the new Westfield ‘Stratford City’ shopping and leisure centre due to open in 2011 and cement Stratford’s position as a new metropolitan centre for East London.

Sir Robin said: “This scheme across the town centre will secure real improvements of benefit to residents and businesses as well as ensuring that Stratford and Newham presents a strong image as the gateway to the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.”

Councillor Conor McAuley, executive member for regeneration, added: “The project will secure the future of the existing town centre as well as reinforcing Stratford as the undisputed hub of East London, harnessing the benefits of the Games and nearby Stratford City.”

As well as the sculpture, the scheme across the whole of the town centre will include: new lighting, pavement repairs and improved pedestrian signage; new landscaping, street furniture and lighting in Broadway with feature lighting of St John’s Church and the Old Town Hall; a new outdoor market space in The Grove under a canopy to replace the current market in Broadway.

The Shoal sculpture will encompass seasonal colours from spring green to autumnal gold which will be lit up at night to add to the effect.

Councillor Richard Crawford, community lead member for Stratford and West Ham, said: “The scheme will mean Stratford town centre is not being overshadowed by the new Stratford City development and the improvements will boost access between the two. It will make the area even more exciting for new residents, businesses and visitors.”

The project will be paid for from Section 106 money related to the Stratford City project, cash from an Olympic Host Boroughs funding programme and a grant from the London Development Agency.