City of London Corporation appoints James St John Davis as new West Ham Park chair

Key Points

• James St John Davis elected as new chair of the City of London Corporation’s Natural Environment Board and West Ham Park Committee.
• Oversees strategic and operational direction of West Ham Park and over 11,000 acres of open space across London and southeast England.
• Appointment confirmed in May 2025.
• West Ham Park managed under a charitable trust dating to 1874, governed by indenture Acts and Charity Commission schemes.
• Park’s 2025–2035 management plan focuses on care, community, sustainability, and vibrancy.
• Recent activities include wind damage response, sports pitch preparation, and planned facility upgrades.
• Park holds Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards.
• Financially stable with no extra capital needed for 2025–26.
• Aligns with the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy.

James St John Davis has been elected to lead the City of London Corporation’s Natural Environment Board and the West Ham Park Committee, placing him in charge of one of East London’s largest and most historic green spaces, as reported by Holly Brencher of the Newham Recorder.

The announcement confirms that Mr St John Davis will be overseeing not only strategic decisions related to West Ham Park, but also more than 11,000 acres of green space across London and the southeast. His appointment marks a key shift in environmental stewardship at a time when sustainability and community engagement are centre stage.

Who is the new chair of West Ham Park?

As reported by Newham Recorder’s Holly Brencher, James St John Davis has assumed a dual leadership role within the City of London Corporation — as chair of the Natural Environment Board and of the West Ham Park Committee. These two posts together empower him to lead long-term planning, community liaison, ecological resilience, and heritage preservation.

Speaking to the Newham Recorder, Mr St John Davis stated:

“Our parks and open spaces are widely recognised as some of the very best managed in the world, contributing a value of over £280 million each year in benefits to society. I am committed to ensuring we remain at the forefront of protecting and enhancing them.”

What does the City of London Corporation oversee at West Ham Park?

The park is managed by the City of London Corporation through a charitable trust, under indenture Acts from 1874 and schemes approved by the Charity Commission in 1981 and 1991. Governance is executed via the Court of Common Council and delegated to committees including the West Ham Park Committee.

The committee includes elected Aldermen and Members of the City Corporation alongside representatives from the heir-at-law of John Gurney (the original land donor), the London Borough of Newham, and the Parish of West Ham.

What are the current and future plans for West Ham Park?

According to planning documents referenced by Newham Recorder, the West Ham Park Management Plan 2025–2035 outlines four key themes:

• Caring: Prioritising the health and resilience of landscapes.
• Diverse Engaged Communities: Involving a wide range of people in park life.
• Leading Sustainable Environment: Implementing eco-conscious strategies.
• Vibrant Thriving Destination: Attracting visitors through improved amenities.

In the first quarter of 2025, seven wind events with gusts up to 53 mph were recorded, prompting urgent branch removal and tree inspections. Ground teams also completed seasonal turf management, hedge cutting, and set up the cricket square.

A 400-metre athletics track has been marked for summer events. Facility renovations are scheduled, including public toilets and changing rooms.

How is the park performing financially?

As outlined in the Newham Recorder article, the West Ham Park Committee confirmed no additional revenue or capital funding is required for 2025–26, with existing budgets covering operational needs. Budget decisions align with the City Corporation’s broader Climate Action Strategy launched in 2020, which supports biodiversity and carbon reduction goals.

What awards and recognition has West Ham Park received?

The park continues to hold both the Green Flag and Green Heritage Awards, recognising excellence in park management and conservation. These accolades support its reputation as one of the UK’s best-managed urban green spaces.

What major events are planned in 2025?

Upcoming highlights include:

• 150th anniversary celebrations of West Ham Park.
• Ongoing tree works and biodiversity improvement projects.
• Exploration of income generation opportunities to ensure sustainability.
• A sports facility review, focusing on tennis and padel courts.

Why is this appointment significant?

Mr St John Davis’s dual chairmanship signals a deepening of the City Corporation’s investment in natural heritage and urban wellbeing. His leadership will be pivotal in driving eco-strategic goals while maintaining West Ham Park as a valuable community asset.