From a relatively small agrarian settlement to an essential industrial centre, to a much needed commercial and cultural centre in East London, Stratford underwent massive changes throughout the passing of time.
The most noticeable of these changes were the construction of one of the largest urban shopping centres in Europe, Westfield Shopping Centre (opened in 2011) and the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park.
No one expected for Stratford’s image to change so much in such a short period of time, and now, with the accomplishment of these two iconic projects, is there anything left for future investment or future developments of East London’s most emblematic centre? The answer to that question is: most definitely.
As it turns out, Stratford is attracting new investors that are willing to pump money into it and to keep reshaping it’s image until Stratford might become a new and certainly more expensive district not just of East London, but London itself.
In 2012 the London Legacy Development Corporation designated Taylor Wimpey and L&Q to start the construction of the first new neighbourhood in Chobham Manor - on the Olympic Park. This is just one of the five new neighbourhoods, with a total of 870 homes, that will be built in Stratford, reviving the area in the eyes of traditional families that look for a quiet place to live in.
What makes Stratford so attractive to new investors, other than the massive Westfield which attracts thousands of people, is also its good transport links. commuters can be in central London in approximately 15 minutes and with the new project to directly link Stratford to Heathrow via Crossrail, investors will definitely have no hesitation to keep throwing money on the once small agrarian settlement.
Although these might seem some ambitious projects for East London, the Manhattan Loft Gardens project will cast away any doubts that anyone might have about Stratford not being one of the top areas of London.
The projects consists of a 42 storey tall building, covered in glass and terracotta, that will include 248 apartments and an array of gardens incorporated at different levels of the building, and just as an added bonus, the building will overlook the Olympic Stadium.
After its completion in 2016, the Manhattan Loft Gardens will be the tallest and most expensive building in East London, with the price range being as much £565.000 for a one-bedroom flat.
These are just some of the many projects that are taking place in Stratford, projects that will most likely put Stratford well on its way to becoming one of the most expensive areas of London.
What is interesting about these projects, is the changes they create in social class. As Stratford was originally a working class area, these new investments are changing its historical image and are subjecting it to a process of gentrification. What was once an area known for its open markets, traditional products and historical landmarks, is surely becoming a luxurious shopping centre, truistic attraction and upper class residence.
A loss of historical and cultural identity is also a repercussion of the new investments in Stratford, as people are eager to applaud the new shinny buildings and expensive shops, tossing aside any historical or cultural significance that old Stratford might have to offer.
Yet this is not a process happening just in Stratford, but in every big city of the world, turning them into modern metropolis with bigger shopping centres, taller buildings and faster transportation.
by Sebastian Nita
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