Redrow Regeneration has unveiled artwork created by adults with learning disabilities and physical or sensory impairment at its award winning mixed-use scheme - Barking Central. Members of the Maples and Heathlands day centres in Barking and Dagenham were commissioned by the developer to create 108 original pieces of artwork for public display in the walkways of the residential buildings.
John Ireland, Managing Director of Redrow Regeneration, comments: “We are delighted to unveil the abstract creations in The Ropeworks building at Barking Central. The creativity and high standard of the work not only reflects Barking’s colourful history but also the contemporary design and architecture of the development. It has been a tremendously rewarding experience to work with the borough to create a platform for the adult day centers to display their work which reflects the community ethos of everything we do at Barking Central.”
The artwork has been arranged in colour themes, giving each floor of the six storey building an exhibition with individual character.
John Ireland continues: “Regeneration isn’t just about buildings. For us at Redrow Regeneration it is also about involving the community. The abstract canvases are well-suited to what we are achieving in Barking and are a unique way of integrating the private sector with local communities.”
The forty painters and sculptors, aged between 18 and 65, work from well-appointed studios at Heathlands and The Maples under the project title Art Blanche. The group’s largest creation to date is a dragon made from flattened drinks cans which will soon be exhibited in the grounds of the Millennium Centre in Dagenham. Their work was recently seen at an exhibition at the Goresbrook Leisure Centre, Dagenham, the CEME centre in Dagenham and at the new Barking Learning Centre (BLC).
Cllr Bob Little, Executive Member for Adult Social Services, comments: “There is so much creative talent in Barking and Dagenham, and this is admirably demonstrated with these commissioned artworks. We were delighted with the contribution received from Redrow Regeneration last year which has covered the cost of the materials required for the work. It is wonderful to see that the work of the members is being recognized and given a such a high profile and permanent platform to achieve a positive impact on the local community.”
John Ireland concludes: "The completion of phase I of Barking Central scheme is key to the development of the Thames Gateway. There has been so much talk about the Thames Gateway but Barking Central is the first major scheme to demonstrate it is really moving forward. The scheme is already raising the profile and value of property in the area and in turn making other developments feasible. This scheme marks the beginning of Redrow's commitment to the Thames Gateway and through it we are establishing a good relationship with the local council and community, which will create further benefits for the wider area. "
At the recent 2007 Daily Telegraph/Your New Home Awards, ‘Barking Central’ won ‘Best Brownfield Site’ and was also highly commended in the ‘Best First Time Buyer’ category.
Prices in 87 Axe Street at Barking Central start from £185,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and £239,995 for a two-bedroom apartment. The Sales and Marketing Suite is open Thursday to Monday from 10:00 to 17:30, closed Tuesday and Wednesdays. 'The Lemonade Building’ - an 18 storey landmark building with far reaching views across East London and the surrounding area, will be launching soon.
