Earlier this year a report from the Centre for London think tank claimed Stratford’s current placement in Zone 3 was fuelling perceptions of the area as “suburban, distant and undesirable”.
It suggested moving the area’s stations into Zone 2/3 would boost visitor numbers to the Olympic Park by tackling perceptions that it is ‘too far away’.
The re-zoning will take effect from January 2016 and will support the creation of a education and cultural centre on the Park which will showcase the arts, history, science, technology and design.
On Monday Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced a global competition to design the centre which he says will generate new jobs and boost visitor numbers to park.
Mayor Johnson said: “Our goal is to create thousands of new jobs whilst driving up the life chances and opportunities of local people to match those enjoyed across the capital.
“Huge progress is being made with Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park now re-opened and the planned move of the Financial Conduct Authority and Transport for London bringing 5,500 jobs to new offices into area.
“The launch today of a global hunt for top design talent to create a world class cultural and higher educational quarter on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will stimulate even further growth.
The Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “I welcome the announcement today to rezone 2/3 stations in Stratford. This provides long overdue recognition that London is moving East and there is much more to do.
“Rezoning East London will accelerate growth, bring additional investment and visitors and create much needed jobs and homes.”
