Stratford was historically an agrarian settlement in the old parish of West Ham, Essex. With the start of the industrial revolution, it was subjected to heavy changes that transformed it into an industrial suburb. Due to the introduction of the railway in 1839, which gave way to a rapid expansion and increase in population, Stratford became the centre of administration of the Borough of West Ham (1886).
Although Stratford came to be considered an industrial area, its recent economical history and its latest developments, point out a shift away from heavy industry, Stratford becoming an important commercial and cultural centre.
One of the most noticeable of these developments was of course the construction of the Queen Elizabeth II Olympic Park. In July 2005, the plan to completely transform Stratford into a massive athletics complex capable of hosting the 2012 Olympic Games, was introduced.
After its approval, it took about £9 billion and some 80.000 workers, most of which were Stratford or East London residents, for it to be completed.
Although during its construction, the project was highly criticised by the public, after its inauguration, it managed to transform Stratford from a dusty wasteland into an iconic landmark recognisable across the world.
by Sebastian Nita.
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