West Ham Park worth millions of pounds to society
A recent study has unveiled that West Ham Park, located in East London, brings an annual societal benefit of £9.9 million, accumulating to £288.5 million over the span of 50 years. Managed by the City of London Corporation as a charitable entity, this park, the largest in the Newham borough, receives over £1 million yearly for maintenance. It is recognized as a Grade II listed site within the City Corporation’s management of over 11,000 acres of crucial green spaces in London and the southeast of England.
The assessment by Natural Capital Solutions highlighted the significant advantages these open areas, including West Ham Park, Epping Forest, and Hampstead Heath, provide to the community in terms of recreation, health, well-being, and air purification.
West Ham Park features extensive amenities such as 12 tennis courts, three cricket nets, football fields, and a running track, alongside a revamped children’s playground that saw a £750,000 investment, a bandstand, historical gardens, and a community garden. Annually, it draws 2.2 million visitors, offers vital habitats for wildlife, and sustains a diverse bird population.
The analysis also showcased a benefit-to-cost ratio of 11.7 at West Ham Park, indicating that each £1 spent on upkeep results in £11.70 of public benefits. The park has been awarded for its excellence, including a top category win for large parks in the London in Bloom contest.
Caroline Haines, chair of the park’s committee, highlighted the park’s long-standing significance and beauty for the community, tracing its roots back to the 1762 purchase by Dr. John Fothergill. Under City Corporation management since 1874, it remains a cherished community space.
Furthermore, the broader network of open spaces managed by the City Corporation, including 180 smaller sites within London, contributes £282.6 million in annual societal benefits, reaching £8.1 billion over 50 years. With an annual maintenance budget of £38 million, these areas serve the community at minimal to no cost, encompassing vital wildlife habitats and attracting more than 47 million visitors yearly, significantly more than those attending Premier League matches or visiting the Grand Canyon.
These spaces have received numerous accolades, including recognition in the London in Bloom competition and Green Flag awards. They also play a pivotal role in the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2027 and supporting the broader goal for the Square Mile by 2040.