This is going to be a big year for Dagenham with lots of new projects and much needed investment starting to take shape.

Work is already underway at the former Sanofi site in Dagenham East to build one of the country’s largest data centres, as well as a Costa Coffee by the end of the year, bringing much needed jobs and a welcome boost to the local economy. There is also a new Travelodge planned for the site which I’m led to believe is being welcomed by Dagenham and Redbridge FC as it will help the club grow by accommodating visiting teams and supporters.

In January the council held a public exhibition and consultation event at the old Civic Centre, now Coventry University, about the future of Central Park. There is a lot of fantastic investment planned to encourage more residents into the park which includes an adventure play track, a BMX track for toddlers and investment in the clubhouse at Dagenham Rugby Club worth approximately £200,000. There will also be new paths, flowers and grass areas as part of the park’s overall redevelopment.

We now have the country’s largest ever community participation programme in the form of Every One Every Day to build new social bridges and bonds within the local community. The innovative projects of Participatory City have started to rekindle the community spirit Dagenham is famed for.

Last but not least, the council have been taking huge steps with Pacifica Ventures to finalise plans for London’s largest film studio. An investment that will put Dagenham back on the map.