Proposals to create modern business spaces of the future in the River Road Employment Area in Barking were given the thumbs up by Barking and Dagenham councillors at a planning committee meeting this week (16.02.21).
Industria – the brainchild of Be First, Barking and Dagenham Council’s regeneration arm – will be a high-tech business hub, situated just yards from both the Thames and Roding rivers. It could host a wide range of industries, such as a winery, specialist food production, jewellery makers and green industries,
Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Councillor Darren Rodwell, hailed the decision as another sign of the good times to come for Barking and Dagenham.
He said: “This is the sort of attractive and sustainable industrial development which will no doubt create quality jobs and a place where wine makers, artists and artisans will be able to thrive alongside more traditional trades.
“It’s another boost to this booming part of London which is increasingly seeing forward-thinking entrepreneurs and businesses make their way here.”
The development is supported by £1m of the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, delivered through the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), which will be invested alongside Barking and Dagenham Council’s investment of £33m.
Deputy Mayor for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, Jules Pipe, said: “I’m pleased to support this innovative and ambitious project – which is the first of its kind in London – and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to the local economy in Barking and the wider area.”
Lily Kwong, Development Manager at Be First, said: “We’ve had a great deal of interest in this site which will be a fantastic place for ambitious businesses to base themselves, with a great location, excellent facilities and sustainability built-in.”
The development at the corner of Long Reach Road and Creek Road, Barking, will house tenants in flexible units arranged around a vehicle accessible multi-storey hub.
The experience for visitors and neighbours will be enhanced by green walls, business lounge, lively shopfronts and a new local café.
Importantly, Industria is expected to provide jobs for up to 250 people.
Key features:
- four storey core buildings arranged each side of the courtyard
- Flexible light industrial units from from 1700-5200 sqft (160-475 sqm) and flatted factory units from 140-2500 sqft (15-230 sqm)
- Goods lifts and vehicle ramp with vehicle access across three floors
- Business centre, meeting rooms and staffed reception
- Fully glazed ground floor shop units with a cafe – open to the public
- On-site parking and cycle parking
- Excellent BREEAM rating for sustainability and environmental impact
- Top quality landscaping
- An estimated 230-250 people employed on site
Building work at the site is expected to start in the Summer 2021.
