651 New Flats Approved in Barking Riverside Thames New Town

Key Points

• Barking Riverside development is progressing with approval of 651 new flats in its latest phase.
• The new homes will be built across 12 blocks on River Road within the wider Barking Riverside regeneration.
• Over half of the new flats will be affordable housing.
• Construction is set to start in 2026, with first residents expected by 2028.
• Barking Riverside ambitions include delivering up to 20,000 homes and housing around 50,000 people.
• The development is a joint venture between the Mayor of London and housing association L&Q.
• The area will feature new local hubs with shops, cafés, restaurants, schools, and community facilities.
• Transport links are limited to one London Overground station with four trains per hour, raising concerns about long-term connectivity.
• This phase approval confirmed by Barking and Dagenham Council in September 2025.

What is the latest development in Barking Riverside’s housing project?

As reported by Harriet Clugston of the Evening Standard, Barking and Dagenham Council has approved a planning application for 651 new homes, marking the latest phase in the creation of a vast new town along the Thames. The homes will be constructed across twelve separate blocks on River Road, Barking Riverside.

This approval is part of plans to deliver up to 20,000 homes within the Barking Riverside development on 243 acres of brownfield land. The development is designed to provide a mix of affordable and private housing, with over half of the new flats designated as affordable homes, addressing London’s urgent housing needs.

Who is behind the Barking Riverside development?

Barking Riverside is jointly delivered by Barking Riverside Limited, a partnership between the Mayor of London and housing association L&Q. This makes it one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration projects, aiming to establish a new riverside community in East London with a population projected to reach around 50,000 people.

Chris O’Sullivan, Barking Riverside Managing Director, told London News it is a “place to be, become and belong,” with a masterplan focused on mixed-use neighbourhood centres, schools, parks, and community hubs to build a strong sense of community.

What facilities and amenities will Barking Riverside include?

The Barking Riverside masterplan includes multiple neighbourhood centres like The Circus, The Fort, The Wharf, and Rivergate. These hubs will feature cafés, bars, restaurants, shops, business spaces, parks, play areas, and sports pitches, fostering diverse community life.

There are already five schools with two more planned to accommodate families moving into the area. Community centres and enhanced pedestrian and cycling routes support a holistic living environment.

When will construction start and residents move in?

According to L&Q’s official announcement, construction on this latest phase will commence in 2026. It is anticipated that the first residents will move into the affordable homes by 2028, continuing the incremental build-out of Barking Riverside towards its 20,000-home target.

What transport connections serve Barking Riverside?

Transport remains a critical issue. Barking Riverside currently has just one London Overground station serviced by four trains per hour, which experts say may be insufficient for a development of this scale and size. Boris Johnson, as Mayor, cut a proposed DLR extension from Beckton to Dagenham Dock, which would have improved connectivity substantially.

Critics warn that Barking Riverside risks becoming a car-dependent or failed town due to these transport limitations, with only short trains serving a growing population. The lack of improved rapid transit options is seen as a potential roadblock to the full success of the development.

What is the significance of this new town on the Thames?

Barking Riverside represents an ambitious effort to deliver new housing in London while regenerating underutilised land. It is expected to bring thousands of new homes in a sustainable urban setting alongside riverfront access and extensive green space.

This development is part of a broader regeneration effort in East London, with neighbouring Barking and Dagenham also seeing innovative infrastructure projects and plans for future expansion which aim to create a vibrant new community.

What challenges remain for Barking Riverside?

While the housing delivery is on track, the transport infrastructure challenge looms large. Long-term planning and investment will be needed to secure a viable future for Barking Riverside as a connected and thriving neighbourhood.

The current solitary railway station and limited service may hinder accessibility, which is critical as the population grows to an anticipated 50,000 within the new town.