Sadiq Khan has hailed plans to create 20,000 homes on undeveloped land in east London as a blueprint for the future of ‘new towns’ in Britain.
The Barking Riverside project, which has already seen more than 2,700 homes built, would occupy a 443-acre brownfield area that was previously the site of Barking power station.
An outline planning application submitted to Barking and Dagenham council by the mayor of London and housing association L&Q aims to deliver housing, shops, schools and parks, potentially spawning a 50,000-strong community on the north bank of the River Thames.
‘Barking Riverside is a prime example of a new town in London, a pioneering partnership delivering thousands of new homes for Londoners,’ said Khan.
‘It’s an inspiring model of how to fix our housing crisis, with new public transport connections, schools, green spaces and a town centre making this a blueprint for how the next generation of English new towns could work.
‘I’m determined to do everything in my power to continue boosting homebuilding across London, as part of my plan to build a fairer, more prosperous city for all Londoners.
Hopes are high that the Barking Riverside project will create a thriving new community of up to 50,000 people on the banks of the River Thames
Landscape plays a significant role in the Barking Riverside proposal, with architects eager to ensure that the ‘wild character of the water’s edge’ is preserved
London mayor Sadiq Khan has described the project as ‘a blueprint for how the next generation of English new towns could work’
More than £400 million has been invested in the project to date, with 2,700 homes created and permission granted to build up to 10,800.
Under the new plans, that number would almost double, reaping maximum benefit from improved transport links that include an overground station and a pier.
‘We have much more we wish to deliver, with the investment to date setting the foundation for the significant growth that is now proposed,’ said Matthew Carpen, managing director of Barking Riverside Limited.
‘We look forward to delivering our new masterplan for 20,000 homes, together with the amenities and services needed to support and attract a vibrant and growing population.’
More than a third of the 13,046 new homes would be affordable housing, offered at a minimum of 20% below market rate.
The application to expand the site includes plans for two new parks – Ripple Park, covering roughly 50 acres, and River Park, a 19-acre site – in addition to two primary schools and improved walking and cycling routes.
‘As well as meeting the need for housing, with much of this being affordable, the new masterplan aims to maximise public benefit – both for the growing community here and the whole of east London,’ added Carpen.
The architects’ plans for Barking Riverside include a central boulevard and busway inspired by Helsinki’s Esplanade, one of the most widely admired urban spaces in Europe
Fiona Fletcher-Smith, CEO of the housing association L&Q, believes the creation of new homes and infrastructure will deliver an ‘exciting new neighbourhood’
Barking Riverside already has five schools, several nurseries and various play spaces and shops.
Fiona Fletcher-Smith L&Q’s chief executive officer, said: ‘The UK is in the grips of a housing and affordability crisis, which is getting worse. That has to change, and projects like Barking Riverside are part of the solution.
‘We believe Barking Riverside could be a blueprint for brownfield development across the country. None of this would be possible without partnerships, from L&Q and the mayor of London to the many others contributing to the success of this place.
‘Delivering the proposed new homes and infrastructure will be a wonderful next step at this exciting new neighbourhood.’
