Barking Riverside
Barking, London
KEY FACTS
Client: Barking Riverside Limited
Project cost: Undisclosed
Status: Pre-planning
Category: Masterplanning
“Their bid demonstrated an extremely high level of design capability, presenting and testing us with all the possibilities based on our brief. We are excited to be working with this team for the first time and we were very impressed with their collaborative approach.”
- Joe Burke, Barking Riverside Limited
Barking Riverside is a growing neighbourhood on the banks of the River Thames, which could deliver up to 20,000 homes (subject to a new Outline Planning Application). It is located on a brownfield site with excellent public transport connections and a clear built context of over 2,000 homes to respond to from earlier phases of the masterplan.
The Sub Framework Plan (SFP) provides much more detail than the outline masterplan for this new phase of development to create a marked identity for the Stage 3 North district. This new neighbourhood will comprise over 1,000 homes (35% of which will be affordable) alongside non-residential uses and open space. At the heart of the plan are three core principles: Nature, Changing Climate, and a Strong Community.
The radial geometry of the site is enhanced by two new intersecting axes connecting The Circus with Crown Crescent. This provides segment-shaped plots, each thoughtfully designed as its own village, with their own sub-communities. These villages offer residents a unique sense of place and community identity through varied street layouts, landscapes, and architectural character. This scale will allow residents to know their neighbours and feel a sense of belonging, identity and ownership.
The topography of the site comprises nearly five metres of level difference, reminding us of so many characterful historic towns we know on sloping sites. This has informed where we position the plots, orienting streets towards specific views to create a rich and delightful public realm.