West Ham Park has a rich and diverse cultural history spanning back over 400 years. In 2004, English Heritage awarded the site Grade II status on its register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest.

The site, which is the largest park in Newham, has been owned and maintained by the City of London Corporation since 1874 when it was opened to the public.

As we enter summer and the easing of lockdown restrictions, we have moved forward with proposals to transform the former nursery site.

This project is an opportunity to make use of previously developed land and to generate income for the future of the park by using the site for some much-needed housing, to create new parkland and add more recreational and community facilities like a café, which will benefit park users.

We will keep residents and park users fully informed as we progress with this long-term project.

Newham Recorder: Oliver Sells QC values the work of employees and volunteers.Oliver Sells QC values the work of employees and volunteers. (Image: Archant)

To celebrate the "Kew Gardens of the East" and Dr John Fothergill who first began the gardens in the 1700s with his collection of plants, a permanent exhibition was opened on July 4 by acclaimed actress Alison Steadman OBE.

The exhibition, made possible by the Friends of West Ham Park, tells the story of the park’s history and how Dr Fothergill’s botanical drawings were collected from his expeditions to the Americas, the Pacific and Australia.

Friends group members Mary Edmondson and Lyndsay Jones said: "We are both delighted with the exhibition which we hope will provide a new resource in the much-loved park, showing its amazing history and contribution to botanical science."

With lockdown restrictions easing, comes with it the chance to return to some leisure pursuits.

For tennis enthusiasts, more courts can now be booked through LTA rally alongside an existing tennis membership.

The bandstand has now reopened and you can now hire a morning, afternoon or a full day and hold your birthday party or social gathering in this unique setting.

The ornamental gardens are looking stunning with their outstanding deep purple echinacea pupurea and vibrant orange of the alstromeria Indian summer on display.

I hope you enjoy all the park has to offer over the summer months.

  • Oliver Sells QC is chairman of the City of London Corporation’s West Ham Park committee.