Barking town centre is undergoing its biggest facelift for several decades thanks to Redrow Regeneration’s groundbreaking scheme, Barking Central. As the borough continues to grow, Barking Central is not only providing much needed new housing, but is creating a striking focus for the town centre that will rejuvenate the area and the wider community.
Back in the early twentieth century, Barking was a thriving industrial centre for the south-east. Large-scale manufacturers such as Ford, offered employment and investment opportunities in the borough and created a prosperous town centre. After the Second World War however, much of Barking’s heavy industry became depressed and the borough suffered wide scale job cuts. Post-war redevelopment has left the town centre looking shabby and run-down in recent years, with many retailers unwilling to commit investment.
Today, Redrow Regeneration’s Barking Central is recreating the borough’s heyday by injecting a new lease of life into the town centre. A combination of housing, retail and commercial space and council services, including the recently opened Barking Learning Centre, will revitalise the borough and symbolise a bright future for the people of Barking.
Situated on the site of the old central library, the new Barking Learning Centre (BLC) will enhance education and employment opportunities in the borough while the arboretum and impressive Public Space larger than the area of Trafalgar Square, in front of the town hall will make the town centre a greener, safer and more sociable place to be. As well as the community facilities and retail and commercial space at Barking Central, the scheme is also providing 518 private and affordable new apartments, at a standard not seen before in the area.
As part of the Thames Gateway, Barking and its surrounding areas are set to see some of the most extensive regeneration in Europe. The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s (LBBD) objectives for 2020 include the development of a well-educated and skilled workforce, increased access to jobs and the support of local businesses to grow and attract new investment. Through Barking Central, LBBD and Redrow Regeneration have put education and employment as the key drivers towards the regeneration and social improvement of the borough.
Furthermore, greater investment in local business and retail expansion is anticipated and will be provided for by the new commercial and retail space that will be built as part of the Barking Central scheme. Improved infrastructure and a thriving local economy of shops, bars and restaurants will not only provide more jobs for local people, but will improve the look and environment of the town centre. As the first demonstration of the council’s plans to regenerate the borough in a way that supports the growth and sustainability of the whole community, Barking Central is set to become a new landmark and symbol of renewed prosperity for the borough of Barking and Dagenham.
The 2012 Olympics will also play a significant part in putting the borough back on the map. Barking Central will not only provide a striking new centrepiece for the town, but offers valuable new housing for both local people and London commuters involved with the games. Only 11 minutes from Stratford, and with excellent road and rail links, plus convenient public transport and cycle provision, mean Barking Central is a smart choice for potential buyers.
After the outstanding success of sales in Phase 1 at The Ropeworks, in which all of the 246 one and two bedroom apartments have now been privately sold, values have been raised by between 24-30% across the borough, and the resulting confidence is allowing for further development in the region.
Cities such as Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle have all undergone significant regeneration in recent years, a huge part of their success based on the introduction of housing into the town centre. Barking Central’s new housing will create a vibrant environment for both residents and visitors, and will influence much needed investment in local business.
Next week sees the launch of the latest phase of one and two bedroom apartments in Barking Central’s No 87 Axe Street. Twenty-two private apartments will be on offer exclusively through renowned estate agents Knight Frank, when sales are launched on Saturday 6th October.
Just like the incredibly popular apartments in The Ropeworks, No 87 Axe Street will boast high quality finishes and thoughtful design throughout, as well as a wealth of integrated appliances included in the price. As well as the experts from Knight Frank, there will also be independent financial advisors and specialist property solicitors on hand to give advice particularly to those who are first-time buyers.
Award-winning Barking Central is a landmark scheme that is transforming Barking town centre into a dynamic, vibrant and thriving new area for London. If you want to be a part of this exciting change why not go along to Redrow Regeneration’s sales and marketing suite on Saturday to find out more…
