Barking Riverside
Barking Riverside
Barking Riverside, located in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, is a prominent regeneration site, transforming a historically industrial area into a vibrant and sustainable community. The development aims to create a thriving urban environment while addressing the challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and community well-being.
This new neighbourhood is a 443-acre, former power station site that will include:-
- 10,800 new homes – 31% with three or more bedrooms and 40% affordable housing
- Facilities for healthcare, shopping, community and leisure
- New public transport links to support the new community
Spanning 443 The Barking Riverside development will be one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in Europe. The area, historically dominated by industry, faced environmental degradation and lacked green spaces for residents to enjoy.
The Challenge
Environmental Degradation & Community Well-being
Historically, the site had suffered from pollution and environmental degradation due to industrial activities, impacting air and water quality. Limited green spaces and biodiversity resulted in a lack of recreational areas for residents.
Residents faced challenges related to physical and mental well-being due to the industrial legacy and insufficient green infrastructure.
The Solution
Green Infrastructure Implementation:
Parkland Creation: The development prioritised the creation of extensive parklands, providing a mix of open spaces, walking trails, and recreational areas.
Waterfront Restoration: Natural water features were incorporated, restoring the riverside and enhancing biodiversity.
Urban Forests: Extensive tree planting and urban forests were introduced to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and create a sense of tranquillity.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS): Innovative SUDS solutions, including permeable pavements and green roofs, were implemented to manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Barking Riverside, located in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, is a prominent regeneration site, transforming a historically industrial area into a vibrant and sustainable community. The development aims to create a thriving urban environment while addressing the challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and community well-being.
This new neighbourhood is a 443-acre, former power station site that will include:-
- 10,800 new homes – 31% with three or more bedrooms and 40% affordable housing
- Facilities for healthcare, shopping, community and leisure
- New public transport links to support the new community
Spanning 443 The Barking Riverside development will be one of the largest brownfield regeneration projects in Europe. The area, historically dominated by industry, faced environmental degradation and lacked green spaces for residents to enjoy.
The Challenge
Environmental Degradation & Community Well-being
Historically, the site had suffered from pollution and environmental degradation due to industrial activities, impacting air and water quality. Limited green spaces and biodiversity resulted in a lack of recreational areas for residents.
Residents faced challenges related to physical and mental well-being due to the industrial legacy and insufficient green infrastructure.
The Solution
Green Infrastructure Implementation:
Parkland Creation: The development prioritised the creation of extensive parklands, providing a mix of open spaces, walking trails, and recreational areas.
Waterfront Restoration: Natural water features were incorporated, restoring the riverside and enhancing biodiversity.
Urban Forests: Extensive tree planting and urban forests were introduced to improve air quality, reduce noise pollution, and create a sense of tranquillity.
Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS): Innovative SUDS solutions, including permeable pavements and green roofs, were implemented to manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks.
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
Project
Location
Contractor
Landscape Architect
The introduction of urban forests and green corridors has significantly improved air quality, reducing pollution levels and providing a healthier living environment. Restoration of the waterfront and the creation of diverse habitats have contributed to increased biodiversity, attracting various plant and animal species to the area. Abundant green spaces and recreational areas have positively impacted residents’ mental and physical well-being, fostering a sense of community and connection with nature. SUDS implementation has effectively managed stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and improving overall water quality in the area.
Innovative Green Solutions:
GreenBlue Urban’s products have played a pivotal role in achieving the project’s green infrastructure goals across varying locations of the site:
The incorporation of SUDS tree pits by GreenBlue Urban with an extra layer of attenuation, using ArborCell, helped manage stormwater efficiently while providing space for tree growth. Working with Jewson Civils, Barton Wilmore (now Stantec) and the LB of Barking and Dagenham, GreenBlue supported with tree planting products including RootSpace 600 at double the height for additional soil volume. ArborVent 150, 2 per tree, for additional aeration and enhanced tree establishment through the early crucial years, Arborguy Guying and Root Management again both contribute to the long-term needs and guarantee success with minimal maintenance.
The introduction of urban forests and green corridors has significantly improved air quality, reducing pollution levels and providing a healthier living environment. Restoration of the waterfront and the creation of diverse habitats have contributed to increased biodiversity, attracting various plant and animal species to the area. Abundant green spaces and recreational areas have positively impacted residents’ mental and physical well-being, fostering a sense of community and connection with nature. SUDS implementation has effectively managed stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and improving overall water quality in the area.
Innovative Green Solutions:
GreenBlue Urban’s products have played a pivotal role in achieving the project’s green infrastructure goals across varying locations of the site:
The incorporation of SUDS tree pits by GreenBlue Urban with an extra layer of attenuation, using ArborCell, helped manage stormwater efficiently while providing space for tree growth. Working with Jewson Civils, Barton Wilmore (now Stantec) and the LB of Barking and Dagenham, GreenBlue supported with tree planting products including RootSpace 600 at double the height for additional soil volume. ArborVent 150, 2 per tree, for additional aeration and enhanced tree establishment through the early crucial years, Arborguy Guying and Root Management again both contribute to the long-term needs and guarantee success with minimal maintenance.
The benefits will be abundant with enhanced aesthetic value, improved air quality, social cohesion, health and well-being and above all maximised green coverage in limited spaces.
All GreenBlue Urban products used in the Barking Riverside development were manufactured from 100% recycled materials, aligning with the project’s sustainability objectives.
The Barking Riverside development stands as a testament to the transformative power of green infrastructure in urban regeneration. The project has not only revitalised a formerly industrial area but has also created a sustainable, green oasis that prioritises the health and well-being of its residents.
Barking Riverside won Development of the Year at the Sunday Times British Homes Awards 2013. It also won a 2013 Housing Design Award for completed schemes.
The first homes completed during 2012 within the Buzzards Mouth Court area, won a prestigious Housing Design Award in 2010 and were shortlisted in the Best New Place to Live category in the London Planning Awards 2012/13.
The successful collaboration with GreenBlue Urban showcases the effectiveness of innovative green solutions in achieving environmental and community-centric goals.
The benefits will be abundant with enhanced aesthetic value, improved air quality, social cohesion, health and well-being and above all maximised green coverage in limited spaces.
All GreenBlue Urban products used in the Barking Riverside development were manufactured from 100% recycled materials, aligning with the project’s sustainability objectives.
The Barking Riverside development stands as a testament to the transformative power of green infrastructure in urban regeneration. The project has not only revitalised a formerly industrial area but has also created a sustainable, green oasis that prioritises the health and well-being of its residents.
Barking Riverside won Development of the Year at the Sunday Times British Homes Awards 2013. It also won a 2013 Housing Design Award for completed schemes.
The first homes completed during 2012 within the Buzzards Mouth Court area, won a prestigious Housing Design Award in 2010 and were shortlisted in the Best New Place to Live category in the London Planning Awards 2012/13.
The successful collaboration with GreenBlue Urban showcases the effectiveness of innovative green solutions in achieving environmental and community-centric goals.
