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Proposals for 850 home mixed-use development in Barking submitted

Developer Benson Elliot has submitted plans to transform the Vicarage Field site in Barking town centre that could see the construction of 850 homes and the creation of up to 1,000 full-time jobs in the area.

If approved, the masterplan would see Benson Elliot and development managers Londonewcastle carry out a comprehensive redevelopment of Vicarage Field Shopping Centre and surrounding buildings to create a mixed-used development featuring retail and restaurant outlets, a primary school, hotel and cinema.

The developer has also vowed to create a flexible enterprise space which would look to attract startup businesses and entrepreneurs to the town centre.

Peter Cornforth, Director of Retail at Benson Elliot, commented: “This is an exciting milestone for our redevelopment plans, which we believe will support the creation of a vibrant town centre in Barking.

“We’ve been greatly encouraged by the positive feedback we’ve received from local communities and the Council and we look forward to continuing to work with them to make this project a reality.”

Mark Bass, President of the Barking & Dagenham Chamber of Commerce, added: “The redevelopment of the Vicarage Field site offers a fantastic opportunity to encourage more growth and investment in the town centre.

“New retail and leisure opportunities will provide new jobs, greater choice for local residents and attract more visitors to Barking, helping to invigorate the local economy and enhance the economic success of local businesses.

“We were excited to see the vision for the site at public exhibitions in March and look forward to seeing the project become a reality in the future.”

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