I have been concerned for sometime now that the welcome and essential regeneration of Newham, which is focused very much on specific areas, could result in a two-tier Newham.

It could be those areas that have benefited from the new community infrastructure that regeneration brings and are spiralling upwards while those areas not benefiting risk becoming a forgotten area spiralling downwards.

The potential offered by the West Ham United site, ­located at the central heart of Newham, provides an excellent opportunity to balance out the regeneration that has so far in the main happened around the north west and southern parameter of the borough.

The site, especially when considered along with adjacent former Priory Road bus garage and the whole Queens Market site, has ­immense potential for the development of a new heart for Newham which compliments and enhances the progress made to date.

For once, there is ample time to consider all options with the new owners Galliard and for the community to be fully involved in every aspect of shaping their future, but more importantly, helping balance out regeneration across the whole of Newham.

The time is right for a real people’s plan for the future heart of Newham to begin to be put together.

The commitment and support of the community is in place, we need a similar commitment from Galliard, Newham Council and other key stakeholders to the production and active implementation of a peoples plan for central Newham.

Hopefully, that commitment and action will be kick started by this article – I will keep you updated on progress.