Reimagining Lyle Park
Reimagining Lyle Park
Using creative participation to strengthen people’s connection to place
Client: Ballymore
Year: 2024–2025
Location: Royal Docks, Newham, London
Services: Cultural research, stakeholder engagement, creative programme design and evaluation
Cultural Transitions worked with Ballymore to explore how culture and creative participation could build stronger connections between Lyle Park, the surrounding developments and the communities of the Royal Docks.
We began with research and stakeholder mapping, bringing together the perspectives of residents, schools, youth services, local businesses, cultural organisations and public-sector partners. The work considered how investment in the park could support greater use, stronger local ownership and a more sustained relationship between existing communities and new development.
The resulting framework connected physical improvements with cultural programming, community stewardship and opportunities for children and young people.
As a live pilot, we developed a ten-week programme of free community photography workshops with Newham photographer and educator Hajia Dahiru of One Plus Photography. Held between January and March 2025, the sessions used photography, storytelling and collaborative activities to encourage residents to explore their surroundings and see the neighbourhood differently.
The programme achieved:
170 workshop bookings
A 67% attendance rate
Participation entirely from local residents
Strong feedback around skills, confidence and community connection
A clearer appreciation of the neighbourhood among participants
Alongside the pilot, we developed proposals for a children’s creative programme reimagining the future of Lyle Park, stronger community stewardship and a pathway for young women and girls in Newham to explore careers in construction.
The work gave Ballymore both practical evidence and a longer-term framework for using culture to support belonging, participation and relationships around development.
