Be First, the successful regeneration arm of Barking and Dagenham Council, is set to work with Weston Homes on a new site called Town Quay Wharf, which will bring 147 new homes to Barking. The Council will acquire 62 affordable units on a ‘turnkey’ basis whereby Weston Homes will build and deliver the completed units to the Council.
The site will be transformed into a £50m (Gross Development Value) mixed-use development providing 147 newly built apartments and 1,000 sq m of commercial space with 42 per cent affordable housing designed around a public plaza overlooking the Mill Pond and River Roding in the area known as the ‘Roding Riviera’.
Be First are acquiring an 11 storey block, on behalf of the Council, which will contain the 62 affordable housing units. Of these, 29 of the affordable apartments will meet the London Affordable Rent standard and 33 will be shared ownership.
Designed by PRP Architects, Town Quay Wharf will reconnect Barking town centre to the waterfront. The new development will boast three “striking” new buildings, an 11-storey and two 7-storey buildings respectively, with pedestrian boulevards between them, opening onto the new public plaza on the waterfront.
On the ground floor of the buildings there will be food and beverage commercial units, workshops and artist’s studios, parking bays and cycle storage.
Cllr Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said:
“This amazing waterfront scheme will offer a mix of affordable and private rented homes, as well as the opportunity for residents to get on the housing ladder as part of the Shared Ownership scheme – something that’s so important to our residents. We are looking forward to working with our partners at Weston Homes on bringing this development to Barking to connect the town centre with the Roding Riviera, continuing to build a buzzing, creative embankment in Barking.
David Harley, Interim Director of Development at Be First said:
“At Be First we’re passionate about delivering for Barking and Dagenham and making sure that the borough is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. This new venture with Weston Homes is another example of how we are creating modern, well-built, safe and affordable homes in Barking and Dagenham.”
Bob Weston, chairman & chief executive of Weston Homes, commented:
“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Be First on behalf of Barking and Dagenham Council at our new development Town Quay Wharf, not only providing a large number of private market sale homes in the regeneration area but also providing 42 per cent of vital affordable homes.”