3 June 2010
One of Barking and Dagenham’s most historic
industrial buildings is getting a new lease of life as part of the
ongoing regeneration of Barking Town Centre.
The Granary Building, which has stood in Abbey
Road since the 19th century, will be renovated to form part of the
Barking Creative Industries Quarter. The renovation is being made
possible following the sale of the building by the London Thames
Gateway Development Corporation to construction and development
company Rooff – which has already started work on the site.
The project involves a total refurbishment of
the Granary building, including a new riverside café and terrace
and the construction of a brand new extension to sit alongside the
original building. Completion is expected in late summer
2011. The refurbished and new building will form a key part
of the Creative Industries Quarter which LTGDC has been developing
in Barking. The building will be part occupied by Rooff, with
approximately 10,000 to 15,000 sq ft available for Creative
Industry and Commercial users.
The refurbishment of The Granary follows the
completion of the Malthouse, an adjacent warehouse which has
been completely refurbished and now provides accommodation and
business support for theatre, arts and design companies.
LTGDC has been closely involved in the design of the Granary
building and has now approved planning consent, in association with
Barking and Dagenham Council.
Peter Andrews, chief executive of the LTGDC
said: “The development of The Granary brings us even closer to
realising our vision to have a creative industries quarter in
Barking Town Centre and more job opportunities for local
people.
“Barking already has a vibrant creative
industries base and bringing the disused historic building back to
life will enable us to support and grow this industry.”
Rooff Development Director Steve Drury said:
“The Granary building and the adjoining Malthouse number among the
oldest remaining buildings within the Borough of Barking and
Dagenham and Rooff are proud to be associated with the restoration
and “bringing back to life” of such an important local feature.
“This regeneration scheme will establish an
exciting new creative, commercial and residential quarter in
Barking, which will build on and compliment the already successful
regeneration taking place in the town centre. The Granary building
will form a new destination point on the river for business users
and general public alike, which links back to the borough’s
historic fishing and malting heritage.”
Cllr Mick McCarthy, Cabinet Member for
Regeneration, Barking and Dagenham Council, added: “The Abbey Road
area was once the bustling heart of Barking’s industries and this
project will go some way to breathing new life back into the area.
The Granary is not only one of the most interesting buildings in
the borough, it is also historically important because it provides
a link to the Barking and Dagenham’s past.
“Taken alongside the regeneration of the
Malthouse building and the proposed improvements to Abbey Green,
this is an exciting time for this part of the town. The renovated
Granary building will provide a real focal point on the river and
will bring people back to the waterside.”
The Abbey Road / River Roding area forms part
of the longer term regeneration of Barking promoted by Barking and
Dagenham Council and the LTGDC. The future redevelopment of Abbey
Green will add to the improvements in the area and help to raise
the profile of the western side of the town centre.