Last September, 140 new public artworks were created by over 300 international artists across 10 London boroughs, including a one-day transformation of Carpenters Estate in Newham. The activation, part of the estate’s significant regeneration by Populo Living, celebrated its evolution with creativity, fitness and entertainment. Steel Warriors outdoor gym, playgrounds and murals emphasised health, wellbeing, and community collaboration. The regeneration will provide over 2,000 new homes, refurbish 42 per cent of existing ones and create Stratford Newham’s first green zone, leaving a lasting legacy.

Who is on the project team?

Louise Hervouet -  Head of Commissioned Public Art

Global Street ArtIvan Andrade

Community Coordinator

Global Street Art

Describe the context of this project and its neighbourhood and people?

The London Mural Festival, produced by Global Street Art, took over the capital this September, creating 140 new public artworks with over 300 international artists across 10 London Boroughs. As part of the Festival, we partnered with Populo Living on a community-oriented activation, transforming Carpenters Estate for one day only (Saturday, November 16th).Carpenters Estate, in Newham, London, is undergoing significant regeneration led by Populo Living, Newham’s housing company. Known for its deep community roots and vibrant spirit, the estate is being transformed into a more welcoming and inclusive space with projects like new outdoor gyms, playgrounds, and public art. This includes delivering over 2,000 new homes as part of the estate’s masterplan. This activation was designed to mark the estate’s transformation and to energise the area ahead of capital projects. Months of consultation events gathered community feedback on desired play areas, including models for freeform input that shaped the final designs. The activation provided a platform for residents to celebrate the neighbourhood’s evolution through a day filled with creativity, fitness, and entertainment. The event catered to street art enthusiasts, families, and fitness lovers, offering activities that mirrored the estate’s cultural richness and aspirations for a brighter future. By incorporating the London Mural Festival Paint Jam and local artists, the event honoured the area’s artistic legacy. The addition of a Steel Warriors outdoor gym and new playgrounds reinforced themes of health, wellbeing, and community collaboration central to the estate’s regeneration.

Tell us what you did and how the project, event or installation enlivened the place in a creative way? 

Our London Mural Festival event brought the Carpenters Estate to life with an inspiring mix of street art, music, and active engagement. Central to the day was the Paint Jam, where talented local artists CEPT, Heato, and Earo transformed estate walls with dynamic, large-scale murals. These new artworks not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the estate but also symbolised a fresh chapter in its history. The event marked the opening of a new Steel Warriors outdoor gym and playgrounds created by Yes Make, showcasing Carpenters Estate’s commitment to promoting health and wellbeing. Taster sessions and a Gym Session Challenge invited attendees to explore the facilities, boosting a sense of pride and ownership among the community. Dynamic performances, such as breakdancing by the renowned Soul Mavericks and live DJ sets, created an energetic and festive atmosphere. Families, fitness enthusiasts, and art lovers alike were drawn to this unique celebration, which balanced visual creativity with active participation. The Mayor of Newham attended, reaffirming her commitment to creating new, green homes with 50% affordable housing, supporting a more sustainable and vibrant borough. The Carpenters Estate regeneration project will deliver over 2,000 new homes, refurbish 42% of existing ones, and contribute to making Stratford Newham’s first green zone. The Steel Warriors gym, playground, and mural are part of a co-designed masterplan to engage the community, activate the estate, and build long-term social value.The event successfully transformed Carpenters Estate, connecting residents and visitors alike.

Did the project make a positive social and environmental contribution? If it was a temporary intervention, is there a legacy plan? What happened to its tenants, users, materials and programming?

The activation made a significant social and environmental contribution by promoting community pride, active living, and artistic expression. The murals created during the London Mural Festival Paint Jam transformed previously blank walls into incredible works of art, adding a sense of beauty and placemaking to Carpenters Estate. These murals stand as lasting symbols of creativity and renewal, and inspiring future community projects.The opening of the Steel Warriors outdoor gym and Yes Make playgrounds supported the social goals of the project. These permanent installations encourage physical activity, foster interaction, and provide accessible spaces for residents to enjoy. The gym’s use of repurposed steel underscores its commitment to sustainability, turning knives removed from the streets into tools for health and strength.By creating permanent infrastructure and leaving behind murals that enrich the environment, the event has a tangible legacy. Feedback from attendees highlighted the importance of these spaces for a sense of belonging and wellbeing, especially in an area where many buildings are in poor condition and the public realm needs improvement. With a long-term project planned to replace a deteriorating block with better-quality homes and shops in 5 to 10 years, locals had felt left behind. The new calisthenic gym and mural have made a significant difference, transforming the estate into vibrant places for the community. These initiatives demonstrate that stakeholders care about the residents and have brought immediate improvements to their environment. Many expressed enthusiasm for ongoing cultural and fitness programming, further demonstrating the project’s potential for sustained impact.