The Officer Key Decision meeting on Tuesday 1 September 2026 approved the tender for works to restore Forest Lane Park. The decision was made by Rebecca Johnson, Corporate Director of Environment & Sustainable Transport, and is subject to a call-in period.

Forest Lane Park Restoration Project (Lucel Tate Remembered) - National Lottery Heritage Fund Grant Funded Works Tender

The meeting approved the commencement of a procurement exercise for construction works related to the Forest Lane Park Restoration Project, also known as the Lucel Tate Remembered project. The estimated total value of the works is £700,000, and the tender will be conducted using the JCT Intermediate Building Contract with Contractors Design 2024 form of contract. This decision is a necessary step to progress the project in line with the grant funding agreement with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The restoration of Forest Lane Park aims to address the park's physical condition and external legibility. Key improvements include restoring footpaths, signage, and interpretation, creating two new entrances to tackle anti-social behaviour, restoring water bodies and implementing biodiversity enhancements as recommended by an Ecological Appraisal, and upgrading play equipment and installing new outdoor fitness equipment.

The project aligns with the council's Towards a Better Newham strategy, specifically Pillars 4 and 5, which focus on resident well-being, safety, and the creation of accessible and inclusive neighbourhoods. It also supports the Building a Fairer Newham pledge to invest in children's play areas and Steps to a Healthier Newham initiative.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a grant of £904,101, covering 84% of the total approved project cost. The remaining 16%, amounting to £173,729, will be funded by the Council. The total estimated cost for the project, spanning multiple financial years, is £1,072,870. The funding breakdown includes £904,141 from the Heritage Fund, £123,729 from borrowing, and £45,000 from the General Fund/Revenue.

The decision-maker, Rebecca Johnson, has the delegated authority to make procurement decisions up to £1 million. The procurement process will adhere to the council's Contract Standing Orders and the requirements of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) was previously submitted at the grant acceptance stage. The project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2029, as stipulated by the grant agreement.