£350m London ‘urban village’ looks set to transform riverside

Housebuilder Weston Homes and the Estates & Agency Group have secured a resolution to grant planning permission for a new riverside ‘urban village’ in East London.

After working closely London Borough of Barking & Dagenham and urban regeneration company Be First, the firms have received the resolution for the £350m regeneration project known as Abbey Quays.

Under proposed plans, the 6-acre former Abbey Retail Park site in Barking will be transformed into a mixed-use development, comprising a range of residential, commercial and community spaces.

In addition to 1,089 new homes, the development will feature commercial, business, sports and leisure units - including a new gym by Olympic athlete Max Whitlock MBE - as well as community areas and a dedicated reception.

Situated next to the River Roding, the urban village development will also have a riverside walkway and waterside plaza, as well as green landscaping and communal gardens.

Once a Section 106 legal agreement between the applicant and London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council is completed, planning permission can be issued and work can commence on the project.