Rokhsana Fiaz Welcomes £600K Boost for Newham’s East Ham High Street

Key Points

• Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE has expressed strong support for a £600,000 investment in East Ham High Street.
• The funding comes from the Mayor of London’s High Street Place Labs (HSPL) programme.
• The initiative aims to revitalise and enhance the local high street environment.
• The programme focuses on community engagement, innovation, and economic recovery post-pandemic.
• The support is expected to benefit local businesses and residents by improving public spaces and encouraging footfall.
• This development aligns with wider efforts to regenerate East London and support local economies.

Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, has welcomed a significant financial boost for East Ham High Street, secured through the Mayor of London’s High Street Place Labs (HSPL) programme, which has allocated £600,000 to support the area’s revitalisation.

What is the High Street Place Labs (HSPL) programme?

The High Street Place Labs programme is an initiative launched by the Mayor of London to support the recovery and transformation of local high streets across the city. It provides funding and resources to enable community-led projects that foster innovation, improve public spaces, and stimulate economic activity in high streets that have faced challenges, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The £600,000 allocated to East Ham High Street through this programme is part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate London’s retail and community hubs, making them more vibrant and sustainable for the future.

Who is Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and what has she said about the funding?

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, the Mayor of Newham, has publicly welcomed the funding, highlighting its importance for East Ham High Street. As reported, she sees this investment as a crucial step towards supporting local businesses and improving the quality of life for residents.

Her statement reflects a commitment to ensuring that the high street remains a central part of the community’s social and economic fabric. She emphasised that the funding will help implement innovative ideas and community-driven projects that can attract more visitors and enhance the shopping experience.

Why is this funding important for East Ham High Street?

East Ham High Street, like many other local high streets, has faced economic and social pressures in recent years, including the impact of the pandemic, changing retail trends, and competition from online shopping. The £600,000 funding from the HSPL programme is designed to address these challenges by:

• Improving the physical environment of the high street through better design and public spaces.
• Supporting local businesses to adapt and innovate.
• Encouraging community participation in shaping the future of the high street.
• Attracting more visitors and increasing footfall, which is vital for economic recovery.

This injection of resources is expected to stimulate local economic growth and contribute to the wider regeneration efforts in East London.

How does this initiative fit into wider regeneration efforts in Newham?

The funding for East Ham High Street is part of a larger context of regeneration and development in Newham, a borough that has been undergoing significant transformation. Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and the local council have prioritised economic recovery, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

The HSPL programme’s support aligns with these goals by fostering community-led solutions and innovation. It complements other investments in infrastructure, housing, and public services aimed at creating a more prosperous and resilient borough.

What impact is expected from the HSPL funding on local businesses and residents?

The £600,000 investment is expected to have multiple positive impacts:

• For businesses: It provides opportunities to innovate, improve premises, and engage with customers in new ways, helping them to compete and thrive.
• For residents: Enhanced public spaces and community projects will improve the quality of life, making the high street a more attractive and welcoming place.
• For the community: Greater involvement in decision-making processes through the Place Labs approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride.

Overall, the funding aims to create a sustainable and vibrant high street that meets the needs of both businesses and the local population.

This development was reported on July 11, 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts by local and city-wide authorities to support economic recovery and community well-being in London’s diverse boroughs. The collaboration between the Mayor of Newham and the Mayor of London through the HSPL programme exemplifies a targeted approach to urban regeneration that balances economic, social, and cultural objectives.

As the projects funded by this initiative progress, further updates are expected on how East Ham High Street evolves and the tangible benefits realised by its community.