ALL that remains of Upton Park are a block of flats, an iconic statue and over a century of memories.
West Ham proudly played their home games at the Boleyn Ground for 102 years before moving out in 2016.
The Hammers bid an emotional farewell to their historic home after a 3-2 victory over Manchester United in May 2016.
They have since played their football a few miles away in Stratford, with its previous community largely left behind.
Part of Upton Park was blown up for the 2018 film Final Score, starring Pierce Brosnan and Dave Bautista.
It was then fully demolished, with 842 flats built in its place.
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SunSport was last year told that the legacy of the site and its local significance has been reflected, with the block of flats featuring a “bubbles” theme – after the club’s trademark “Forever Blowing Bubbles” song.
The complex – named Upton Gardens – features a variety of different properties, with a one bedroom flat starting at £350,000, and a two-bedroom maisonette valued at around £500k.
West Ham’s departure has had a profound effect on the community.
Nathan’s Pie and Eels, formerly an iconic local matchday eatery, permanently closed its doors in 2018, just two years after West Ham’s departure.
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Several other businesses have either packed up and left, or faced a battle to survive.
Remaining at the junction of Green Street and Barking Road is an iconic statue of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson clutching the World Cup trophy.
Following their move to Stratford, West Ham wanted to take the statue with them.
But Newham Council sided with fans who were determined for the statue to stay put.
As reported by The Athletic, some devoted West Ham fans still frequent The Boleyn Tavern on matchdays – a 40 minute trip on public transport from London Stadium.
Ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal, one fan explained to them: “I’d rather spend my money here to help the pub.
“Think about all the customers they’ve lost over the years. West Ham moving has impacted the area hugely.
“When people ask me, ‘Are West Ham at home this week?’ I say, ‘No, they’re away at Stratford’. We don’t have a home ground anymore.
“The atmosphere at the London Stadium is terrible. The away fans drown us out every week.”
West Ham have enjoyed success since leaving Upton Park, most notably winning the Europa Conference League in 2023.
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But many fans have always appeared to have an uneasy marriage with their modern home.
After all, a huge chunk of the club’s soul will always remain in E13, where 842 flats now loom over the echoes of more than a century of history.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
