Member Article

Vicarage Field development touted as ‘Westfield rival’ given green light

Plans for a total overhaul at a Barking retail and leisure centre along with the creation of 900 new homes have been given the go ahead following a planning committee meeting last week.

The redevelopment of Vicarage Field shopping centre, which will include a 150-room hotel and a new ‘state of the art’ shopping destination, is set to kickstart major regeneration in the area with Council plans to build a further 42,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Touted as a Westfield rival by Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce President, Mark Bass, the mixed-use development will also include affordable work spaces for startups, a cinema, gym, music venue along with community amenities and green spaces.

Peter Cornforth, Director of Retail at Benson Elliot, the private firm which owns the shopping centre, said: “We welcome the council’s decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre site in Barking town centre.

“This follows a full engagement programme with communities and the council and we look forward to continuing this dialogue as we progress towards the next stage.

“This comprehensive redevelopment of the site will deliver new homes for the borough as well as a host of shopping, leisure and community facilities and up to 1,000 new jobs, all of which will significantly benefit the local area.”

Councillor Dominic Twomey, deputy leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, added: “This redevelopment really puts the green into Vicarage Field. It paves the way for a 21st century retail experience and brings with it entertainment outlets, homes for Londoners, amazing green leisure facilities and up to 1,000 new jobs for local people.”