The London Thames Gateway Development Corporation’s (LTGDC) proposals for a vibrant cultural and creative hub for east London has received a huge boost as planning permission has been granted for the development of the Creative Industries Quarter (CIQ), in Barking.

The mixed-use scheme, submitted by the LTGDC and Rooff Holdings Ltd, has been designed by the award-winning practice schmidt hammer lassen architects and will bring two existing 19th century buildings (the Malthouse and the Granary) back into use for the 21st century. It will create 220 residential units, workspaces for local artists, a new public square, community facilities and better public transport links across the River Roding. The new development will bring renewed life to the area throughout the day and night and is part of the LTGDC’s plans to regenerate Barking.

schmidt hammer lassen architects’ design places new buildings around the site’s existing industrial structures, to form a public space at the heart of the project. The new buildings sit on the periphery of the site, facing Abbey Road, and the boundary is punctuated at strategic points by a number of entrances which also frame views of the Malthous and Granary as well as connecting the site with neighboring Gascoigne and allowing light into the heart of the development, creating views out across the river and marshlands. The site is located in an old industrial area south of Barking town centre and is bound to the west by the River Roding and to the east by Abbey Road.

The design aims to preserve the industrial, gritty character of the site through the use of brickwork that is both sensitive to, and inspired by, the Malthouse and the Granary. Careful study and analysis of archives and photographs has informed SHL architects’ design process. At the same time a scheme of varied character has been produced; the new buildings are of varying heights and scale with differing facade treatments which respond to both the urban context and the landscape.

Peter Andrews, chief executive at the LTGDC, said: ‘This approval brings us one step closer to realizing our vision of focusing the energy and dynamism of creative industries to drive the regeneration of Barking Town. Barking already has a vibrant creative industries base and our CIQ will act as a focal point to attract similar industries to the area and inspire new one to come to life.’

Stephen Willacy, of SHL architects, said: ‘We are delighted that this culturally important scheme has been given the green light. The Malthouse and Granary are two of the few lasting examples of fine industrial architectural in Barking so it is vital that people rediscover the historic character of these buildings whilst adapting them for new uses, including much need residential accommodation.’

The scheme will:
· Restore and re-use locally important heritage buildings – the Malthouse and Granary
· Regenerate an under utilized industrial site, with space for workshops, offices, small shops, café and crèche, acting as a catalyst for wider regeneration
· Create around 7,000 sq m of work spaces for local artists and others employed in creative industries
· Provide 220 new homes of which up to 35% will be affordable
· Facilitate a new public transport bridge across the River Roding
· Create new public open spaces including opening up terraces overlooking the River Roding

Bringing the Malthouse and Granary into productive use will ensure that collectively, they contribute to the development of Barking as a creative hub with the potential of creating wealth and jobs for local people. Evidence of the take up on creative space at the Barking CIQ was revealed after the completion of its first phase in March 2008 when all available units were fully let within weeks. The CIQ is now the base for a number of creative industries that include the Arc Theater studio, 3Arts Drama Company, SPACE, visual artists and photographers.

The scheme was advised by Savills on planning matters, EDP on ecology and heritage issues and Buro Happold on sustainability, engineering, access and transport.

Helen Dias, associate director in the Savills planning team said: ‘The new creative industries quarter will bring back into use a locally important heritage building, and establish a quality mixed use area on this important river frontage site, whilst making provision for a new public transport crossing across the Roding.’

The plans were approved by the LTGDC Planning Committee on Thursday 14 May following the grant of Conservation Area Consent by Barking and Dagenham Council on 12 May.