Newham’s new heritage centre logo design revealed

Newham Council is delighted to unveil the new logo for Newham Heritage Centre — a new cultural hub in the historic Canning Town Old Library. This project will see the building transformed into a vibrant space exploring our borough’s rich and diverse history.

The new visual identity was created in partnership with Graphic Design students from NewVIc (Newham Sixth Form Centre, part of Newham College London), who helped to shape a distinctive design inspired by local heritage and young people’s creativity.

At the event where the winning design was announced, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said:

“This project is a powerful example of how young people can actively shape the cultural identity of their community. The new logo not only captures the vibrant spirit of Newham but also reflects the diverse stories we seek to preserve and celebrate. It speaks to the incredible opportunities that Newham offers its young people — a place where ideas grow, voices are heard, and chances are created.”

Twelve sixth form students took part in a ten-week creative programme, beginning with a visit to the Canning Town Old Library — the future home of Newham Heritage Centre. They met with Neilcott Construction to learn about the building’s history and its future as a cultural hub, then worked alongside Newham Council, creative facilitators, college tutors, and project architects Haworth Tompkins to develop fresh design ideas. Drawing inspiration from the library’s Victorian architecture and the centre’s role as a gathering place for local people, the students produced a range of bold, thoughtful concepts.

The project culminated in a celebratory event at NewVIc, where the Mayor of Newham officially unveiled the winning logo, designed by Graphic Design student Marius. His striking design draws inspiration from distinctive architectural shapes found in archive spaces and prominently features the letter ‘H’ to symbolise history and heritage.

This project not only highlights the creative potential of Newham’s young people but also forms a key part of the Heritage Centre’s community-focused mission. Residents were invited to suggest names for the new space, with Newham Heritage Centre chosen to reflect local pride in the borough’s rich past and exciting future. Other suggestions will be incorporated into displays, room names, exhibitions, and events — ensuring that community voices remain central to the centre’s evolving story.

The winning logo will appear in campaigns and branding when Newham Heritage Centre opens in 2026. The Council will also continue to support Marius’s development through work experience and mentoring opportunities with its creative team.

About Newham Heritage Centre

Newham Council is transforming the Canning Town Old Library into Newham Heritage Centre — a welcoming new space dedicated to exploring the borough’s extraordinary history and stories.

Opening in 2026, the centre will feature exhibition space, a reading room, archive storage, a media suite, and a dedicated learning area — breathing new life into this much-loved Victorian building. Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will include volunteering opportunities, creative projects for all ages, educational initiatives, employment pathways, and partnerships with cultural organisations across Newham. It will also improve public access to the borough’s rich archive and museum collection, with essential cataloguing and conservation work taking place over the coming year.

Residents, students, and workers in Newham are warmly encouraged to get involved in shaping the centre’s future. Share your ideas for activities, exhibitions, and spaces you’d like to see at Newham Heritage Centre here.

To stay updated and find out how to participate, sign up here.