Local Context
Newham has a highly diverse and young population
Local Demographics
Newham is London's 3rd most populous borough, as well as on of the most diverse and youthful boroughs. 47% of residents are born outside of the UK and 74% are from a non-white background, with 24% under the age of 18 years. However, whilst decreasing, the borough remains one of the most deprived in the country with some of the highest levels of homelessness and unemployment in London.
The area is characterised by poor health too, with higher levels of preventable mortality from cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver and respiratory diseases than the national average. Household overcrowding is also a prominent issue, highlighting the affordability issues and deficiency of social housing.
The following statistics compare the Royal Docks ward and the Borough of Newham to London and national averages.
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Shown is Newham within Greater London (top right) and the Royal Docks ward within the Borough of Newham (bottom)
Detailed Demographics
Age Profile
Analysing this population pyramid, it is evident that Newham has a younger than average community. The difference between Newham and London and England is particularly noticeable in the ages 15 - 44, where Newham has a far higher proportion of these age ranges, as well as less of an an ageing population than London and England. As a result, 73% of Newham's population are of ages 15 -64, 20% under 14 and only 6% older than 65. The area has a young and potentially highly economically active population as a result.
Ethnicity
72% of Newham's communities are from Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority communities, incredibly diverse when compared to the national average where 86% are from a White background. A large proportion of the Royal Dock's and Newham's populations are born outside of the UK, 48% and 54% respectively. The diversity of these communities and cultures across the borough and surrounding area will have to be accommodated and represented in any community schemes as part of our vision.
Deprivation
Newham is the UK's 12th most deprived local authority, with 25% living in the 20% most deprived Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) and over 45% in the 30% most deprived areas.
The highest levels of deprivation are visible in the Canning Town / Custom House area, in close proximity to the Royal Docks site.
Health
Residents of Newham Borough suffer from higher levels of mortality from preventable causes than the Greater London average, with particularly high prevalence of cardiovascular disease mortality at over 40%. Childhood obesity is relatively high at 42.8% and only 31% of children are physically active. This could be a sign of a poor built environment that is not accessible enough for young people to be active and exercise, and something that should be addressed in our vision, accommodating accessible and child-encouraging green public realm to aid the surrounding area.
Housing
A high proportion of London's housing market is privately or socially rented accommodation, in comparison the England. However the proportion of this is far higher in Newham and the Royal Docks with 38% of Royal Docks residents privately renting, and 34% in council housing. The proportion of those who outright own their properties or have a mortgage are therefore far lower in these areas. This needs to be taken into consideration to assess who our development is providing for, particularly in the case of ensuring there is appropriate tenures of properties available as to accommodate for the community.
Employment
77.3% of persons aged 16-64 are employed, higher than London and national averages, 1.5% and 1.6% respectively. Male employment is greater than London and national employment, but female employment is lower. This could reflect the young population and the need for child services. On average, employment has increased for both men and women over an 8 year period.
Accessibility
The Royal Docks ward sits in an area of relatively low public transport accessibility. Nearby DLR links towards other areas of the Docklands and City of London are available, as well as now the Elizabeth Line, which opened since this data was recorded. The Royal Docks as well as the neighbouring ward of Beckton have poor accessibility to local town and district centres, showing the importance of providing for town centre amenities in our vision in order to provide for the needs of the community and enhance their built environment.
Living Environment
Mortality attributable to air quality was 7%, higher than national average and significantly higher than London average, being 5.1% and 6.4% respectively. 13.3% of the population are exposed to road, rail and air transport noise during the night-time. These statistics show emissions are dangerously high and that measures need to be taken to reduce deaths and noise disturbance. 18.8% of outdoor space is utilised for exercise and health reasons contrasting with a low percentage of physically active children. New, engaging and appealing green spaces are required to aid the surrounding area.