Today, our neighbourhood is known for its modern homes, beautiful green spaces, independent shops, and vibrant community spirit. But our story is unique. We are one of London's newest neighbourhoods, forged in the excitement of a global event and built with a vision for the future.
This is the story of how East Village came to be.
Before the Games: The Lower Lea Valley
For over a century, the land where East Village now stands was a very different place. Part of Stratford and the Lower Lea Valley, it was the industrial heartland of East London. A landscape of railway depots, warehouses, and factories, it was a place of work and industry, crisscrossed by canals and rivers that once powered its mills.
By the late 20th century, many of these industries had declined, and the area became a stretch of overlooked, post-industrial land. It was a place with huge potential, waiting for a catalyst to bring it back to life. That catalyst turned out to be the biggest show on Earth.
The 2012 Dream: A Vision for Legacy
On 6th July 2005, the world heard the words: "The Games of the 30th Olympiad are awarded to the city of... London!" This was the moment our story truly began.
The London 2012 Olympic bid was won not just on the promise of a spectacular sporting event, but on the promise of legacy. The plan was to use the Games to drive the largest urban regeneration project in Europe for 150 years. The former industrial site was chosen to become the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and at its heart would be the Olympic and Paralympic Village.
The vision was clear: to build a temporary home for the world's greatest athletes that could later be transformed into a permanent, thriving new London neighbourhood.
A Village for Champions: The London 2012 Games
The construction that followed was monumental. The land was cleared and cleaned, and a brand new village rose from the ground. During the summer of 2012, this was the home-from-home for over 17,000 athletes and officials from more than 200 countries.
For a few incredible weeks, the streets we now walk every day buzzed with Olympic energy. The world’s eyes were on our doorstep as champions were made in the iconic venues surrounding us – the Olympic Stadium, the Aquatics Centre, and the Velodrome. It was a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime moment that laid the foundation for the community we know today.
The Birth of a Neighbourhood: Welcome to E20
Once the closing ceremony fireworks had faded, the next phase of the transformation began. The Athletes' Village was ready for its true, long-term purpose.
The temporary Olympic fittings were removed, and beautiful, fully-fitted kitchens were installed in every apartment. The vast dining halls and gyms were converted into community spaces. In late 2013, the first new residents began to move in, and a new London postcode was officially born: E20.
The Athletes' Village was reborn as East Village.
East Village Today: A Continuing Story
An artist’s impression of what Victory Park will look like post final developments
From the very beginning, East Village was designed to be different. It was built with community, sustainability, and quality of life at its core. With acres of parks and wetlands on our doorstep, outstanding transport links, and fantastic local amenities like Chobham Academy and the Sir Ludwig Guttmann Health Centre, it has become a blueprint for modern city living.
Today, East Village is a diverse, welcoming neighbourhood home to thousands of people. It’s a place for families, professionals, students, and everyone in between. The legacy of 2012 lives on not just in the world-class sporting venues but in the strong community spirit that grows here every day.
The history of our area is one of dramatic transformation – from industry to inspiration. And as a resident of East Village, you are part of the next chapter in this incredible story.