I first came to Newham in 1989 and worked here regularly over the next eight years. I remember being struck by the energy and friendliness of the people here.

Coming back as the new Chief Executive of the London Legacy Development Corporation, the organisation responsible for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the surrounding area, this hasn’t changed.

I’ve spent a lot of time since I started in October talking to those who live around the park. I’ve attended our annual celebrations for the park champions – our enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who are building on the success of the Gamesmakers- a third of whom are from the borough. I’ve met members of our excellent park panel, hearing how they go out and explain what’s happening in the park and surrounding area.

I want the corporation to harness the creativity, passion and sense of opportunity that abounds in Newham. We want to build more thriving communities here, not just houses, but new schools, health centres, nurseries, playgrounds and community spaces. We are committed to the creation of jobs, training and apprenticeship opportunities for residents, particularly for young people. Thousands of jobs will be created at and around the park over the next 10 years. We work closely with organisations such as Workplace in Newham to ensure local people benefit. More than 100 Newham residents were working on the stadium alone in October.

We’re proud of our strong ties with Newham, and this newspaper, which is why we’re taking part in the Community Links Christmas Toy Appeal. We’ve supported this great cause for the last four years and I’ve set our staff and contractors a challenge to beat last year’s donations. We want every Newham child to wake up to a present on Christmas morning.

Seeing the energy and enthusiasm here and knowing what exciting changes are on the horizon means there is a lot to look forward to.