Barking Wharf is a new Build to Rent development on the fringes of Barking town centre, East London.

Replacing an unattractive retail park, the scheme benefits from a unique location between the River Roding and Abbey Park, a public park containing the ruins of a 7th century Abbey.

The development contains 597 homes across two buildings, which step up in height from 7 storeys when facing the park to a maximum of 15 storeys overlooking the river. A central hub for use of the buildings’ residents faces the Abbey ruins. This includes Build to Rent management facilities, residents’ lounge, gym and workspaces.

Due to the sensitive nature of the site a high quality design approach was demanded. Brick cladding is used throughout, creating a simple grid that frames windows and areas of brick corbelling. Anodised aluminium balconies match the window frames to ensure a simple and timeless design.

The scheme re-establishes the town’s historic connection with the river, which had been closed off by the retail park.