BRITAIN’S “newest town” costing £400million has been unveiled and will ultimately include 20,000 homes, schools and a shopping parade.

The Barking Riverside project in East London has already seen 2,700 homes built and will occupy a 443-acre brownfield site that once was the location of the Barking power station.

4

It is hoped that it will eventually house a 50,000-strong community on the north bank of the River Thames.

So far, more than £400million has been pumped into the project, with 2,700 homes created and permission to build up to 10,800.

Under new plans, that figure would almost double, gaining benefit from improved transport links, including a new overground station and a pier.

Matthew Carpen, managing director of Barking Riverside Ltd said: “We have much more we wish to deliver, with the investment to date setting the foundation for the significant growth that is now proposed.

“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.”

Under the scheme, more than a third of the 13,046 new homes would be earmarked as affordable housing, offered at a minimum of 20 per cent below market value.

The extended plans include two new parks – Ripple Park, covering roughly 50 acres, and River Park, a 19-acre site – along with two primary schools and improved cycling and walking routes.

Mr Carpen added: “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.”

There are already five schools, several nurseries, various play areas and shops.

Fiona Fletcher-Smith the CEO of housing association L&Q 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 in this exciting new neighbourhood.”

The extended plans also have the backing of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

He said: “Barking Riverside is a prime example of a new town in London, a pioneering partnership delivering thousands of new homes for Londoners.

“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.”

Barking and Dagenham Council will decide on the plan early next year.

4

4