Bromley by Bow
Bromley by Bow is located in East London, and is a ward in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. It is an area with a rich and varied history, shaped by the many different peoples and cultures that have arrived and settled here.
Like much of East London, however, Bromley by Bow suffered extensive bombing damage during World War II, and then suffered again from under-investment.
Bromley by Bow has been a focal point for immigration for centuries, but new arrivals found few opportunities for integration with the wider population and limited support available. This socially excluded community experiences high levels of unemployment, low incomes, poor health and overcrowded and substandard housing.
In addition, the local area is bordered by two major roads and two railway lines. This exacerbates the feelings of isolation created by poverty and until recently the area attracted few regeneration activities. As a consequence, Bromley by Bow remains one of the most deprived wards in the UK.
Research and statistics
The 2001 census found that:
- 61% of households are from ethnic minorities
- 43% of people aged 16-74 have no qualifications
- Unemployment is at almost three times the national level with 16% of unemployed people having never worked and 35% are long term unemployed
- Almost 70% of tenure is council/ housing association compared with less than 20% for England
- Almost five times the level overcrowding than the national level.
Health in this area is poor.
A study carried out by Queen Mary University showed that the local population has a higher than average incidence of coronary heart disease, stomach and bowel cancer, asthma and other respiratory problems. Infant mortality is 50% higher than the national average. The standard mortality ratio is above the national average for all malignant cancers, particularly lung and cervical cancer, TB, suicide and poisoning. There is a high psychiatric morbidity in the area and a major problem with drug abuse.
The above findings are backed up by anecdotal evidence from the Health Centre, where GPs report a high incidence of chronic disease and poor mental health, alongside other problems. We also know from direct experience the barriers that the people of Bromley by Bow face in becoming a healthier and wealthier community.
The Bromley by Bow Centre has engaged with a number of partners over the years to measure the true health of the local community, and we want to continue this work. It is not always easy in a fast-changing and diverse community, but it is important to help us understand the issues facing Bromley by Bow and measure the impact we are making in tackling these issues.
We will publish new research as it becomes available.
New opportunities in East London
Wealth and opportunity are coming to East London through major regeneration schemes including the 2012 Olympics, Stratford City Development (with the Eurostar terminal and retail park twice the size of Bluewater) and Silvertown Quays. The challenge is enabling East Londoners to grasp the opportunities that these developments present.
East London is full of young people – Half of the population is under 30. This brings the challenge of overcoming the negative influences on young people including drugs, gangs and the low expectations they can experience in their families. Yet it is these young people who can transform their communities if they can access the right opportunities to gain skills and employment.
Cultural diversity creates a rich mix and vibrant communities. Canary Wharf and the City often seem like global villages. This is even more true of Newham and Tower Hamlets which have the most culturally diverse communities in the world. This creates opportunities to shape a positive outward-looking view of the world which welcomes diversity and sees a global marketplace.
Our job is to ensure Bromley by Bow capitalises on these unprecedented opportunities. Click here to find out how we are doing this.
