Barking Creative Industries Quarter Approved

Proposals for a vibrant cultural and creative hub for east London have received a huge boost with news that the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation has been granted planning permission for the development of the Creative Industries Quarter (CIQ), in Barking.

The mixed-use scheme was designed by the award-winning practice Schmidt Hammer Lassen architects and will bring two locally listed buildings back into use for the 21st century. It will create 220 residential units, workspaces for local artists, a new public square and community facilities, and will facilitate better public transport links across the River Roding.

EDP’s heritage and ecology specialists played a central role in achieving the planning consent, as the site is not only partially designated as a Conservation Area and located within an Archaeological Priority Area, but also stands adjacent to the River Roding, which is a site of Metropolitan and Borough Importance and part of London’s Blue Ribbon Network.

The new development, which will bring renewed life to the area throughout the day and night, and forms a key part of LTGDC’s plan to regenerate Barking, won support from both CABE and English Heritage, who praised the quality of investigative work completed by EDP.

We now look forward to the proposals being implemented, leading to the re-invigoration of this largely derelict site.