Before winning the bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics, this area of East London was already undergoing a renaissance of sorts with the new Stratford International Station forming a crucial part of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. However, with this momentous national event fast approaching, it is poised to take its place on the World stage and as such is undergoing massive regeneration as sports stadiums, new accommodation and a new retail complex are commissioned and built. The Theatre Royal, Stratford is a lovely Victorian-era auditorium, painstakingly restored to its former glory and is the neighbourhood's main cultural focus with a varied and vibrant drama and arts programme. University of East London (UEL) has its main campus in Stratford in University House, a historic listed building that dates from the 19th century. Adjacent to it is the beautiful Passmore Edwards Building, which combines stunning frescoes with a domed roof.

Well-connected Stratford station provides District Light Railway, Jubilee and Central Line as well as London overground services.

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