Neandra Etienne with this month’s local updates

A woman in a hijab volunteering at a food distribution centre — Volunteer at The Felix Project (Credit – Gary Hamill)

Beckton retail project
Oxford Properties alongside asset manager M7 Real Estate have secured the necessary planning permission to redevelop Beckton Gateway Retail Park, after the Council planning committee meeting approved the plans in May.

Titus Chapple, Asset Manager at M7, told Newham Voices: “Upon completion, the project will contribute £23.5 million to the local economy annually and over 300 full time equivalent jobs will be created. The project also includes employment during construction, where there will also be opportunities for apprentices, trainees and graduates from the local area to gain meaningful employment and experience within the industry. “

Construction is expected to begin in 2030. M7 is engaging with tenants and nearby landlords to identify suitable alternative sites for the existing retailers.”

The Retail Park, which includes B&Q, Pets at Home and Domino’s, will be demolished to make way for the 324,000 sq. ft. urban logistics development hub. A spokesperson for Halfords, one of the shops affected, told Newham Voices: “We have agreed terms to renew the Halfords lease for five years and the matter is with the lawyers at present. We understand the redevelopment will not commence until 2030/31” –

Info at Becktongateway.com

Back on the air
Community radio station ReviveFM is scheduled to return to the airways with a new studio and new shows from July.

Their new studio refurbishment upgrade will enable people to call 0333 444 0940 and speak to presenters live on air.

Newham Voices hosted shows, with Editor-in-Chief Aidan White and Editor Jean Gray, and CommuniTEA Chat with Arts and Culture Editor and Chief Reporter Neandra Etienne are due to start in July.

If you have a local community business that would like to sponsor Newham Voices’ shows or any of the other ReviveFM shows please let us know or get in touch with ReviveFM.

Find out more here

Appeal for drivers
The Felix Project, London’s largest food redistribution charity, urgently needs more volunteers, especially drivers.

They rescue food that would otherwise go to waste from across the food industry, including from supermarkets, farms and manufacturers.

More info on The Felix Project

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