Barratt London recently unveiled a new bubble inspired sculpture at its Upton Gardens development in Newham. Students from nearby St Edward’s Catholic Primary School were invited down to the site to have a ‘first play’ on the sculpture which doubles up as a climbing frame.

The seven Year 4 pupils were invited to the development where they were able to play on the new sculpture. While they were there, the children were entertained by local bubble artist, Maxwell The Bubbleologist, who held a fun workshop for them to further highlight the history of the site.

Paul Underwood, Headteacher at St Edward’s Catholic Primary School, said: “It was a wonderful and happy day to see our students be the first to play on the new sculpture. We would like to thank Barratt London for enabling us to get involved in this community celebration.”

Designed by Zachary Eastwood-Bloom the sculpture was inspired by West Ham United’s anthem ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’. Upton Gardens is set on the site of the old Boleyn Ground, which was home to the football club from 1904 until 2016. Set in the development’s Legacy Walk, a communal outside space for residents and the local community, the sculpture honours the history of the stadium and the club which once played there.

Zachary Eastwood-Bloom commented: “There is such a wealth of history around Upton Park and West Ham – I really wanted to convey that even though the club has moved to a new stadium, the old Boleyn Ground site is still full of meaning. I was particularly drawn to West Ham’s official song, ‘I am Forever Blowing Bubbles’.

The artwork I have created for Upton Gardens comprises two large bubble structures, which also double up as climbing frames for local children to play on, as these sculptures are not just about the past but the future too.”

Pam Reardon, Sales and Marketing Director at Barratt East London, comments: “The site has a rich history, and we wanted the sculpture to honour that in a fun and exciting way.”

Homes at Upton Gardens start at £373,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.