Introduction
"I'm absolutely delighted at the brilliant work that is taking place at the Malthouse. The future plans for the site being developed look fantastic - Barking really deserves a place like this where people can engage with and enjoy the Creative Industries."
Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge
March 2009
In 2006 the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation appointed Rick Mather Architects and their multi-disciplinary team to produce a visionary framework for this 1km long stretch of the River Roding adjacent to Barking Town Centre, a previous masterplanning project.
The framework builds on the attributes of the river and its variety of natural and post-industrial landscapes and will enhance transport and visual links to, from and through the site. Development focused around a nascent Cultural Industries Quarter is already taking place. Next will be the implementation of innovative landscape proposals around the Town Quay which is located at focal point of the Framework Area.
These plans are designed to enhance the river ecology as well as the amenity of the river and will also help to regenerate the other links across the Abbey Park and Ruins. Current landowners with retail operations on site have bought in to the concepts suggested and will be seeking to develop the mixed use building typologies proposed in the Framework potentially bringing forward in the region of 5,000 new homes.
Client
London Thames Gateway Development Corporation
Location
Barking, London
Size
30 hectares (74 acres)
Value
c.£1.1bn
Due to be Completed
2008-ongoing