The City of London Corporation has launched its search for a long-term partner to transform the former Barking Power Station site in Dagenham Dock into a major hub for investment, employment and economic growth.
City members have given the green light for the search, which will find a development partner capable of transforming the 42-acre site, marking a major milestone in the Markets Sites Regeneration Programme. The appointment process, which launches today, will be managed by commercial property advisers CBRE and is expected to attract organisations with a strong track record of delivering large-scale regeneration and industrial development.
The site offers a range of development options, including a data centre, industrial and logistics, cold store and open storage. Alongside the marketing process, the City Corporation is progressing meanwhile lettings with local industrial operators, bringing parts of the site back into productive use, generating economic activity and supporting the stewardship of the site while longer-term redevelopment plans evolve.
Chris Hayward, policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, said: “The launch of this process marks an important step forward for the site and demonstrates our commitment to securing a bright future for this strategically important location. We are seeking a development partner with the vision, expertise and ambition to unlock the site’s full potential, delivering regeneration, inward investment and high-quality employment opportunities for local people.”
He added: “Working closely with the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and other partners, we want to ensure this site becomes a catalyst for long-term economic growth and prosperity across the borough and the wider region.”
Local backing
Councillor Dominic Twomey, leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “The former Barking Power Station site represents one of the most significant regeneration opportunities in London, and today’s announcement is an important step towards unlocking its full potential. The council wants to see this site transformed into a hub for investment, innovation and high-quality jobs that benefit local people.”
He added: “Barking and Dagenham has a proud industrial heritage and a growing reputation as a place where businesses can invest and succeed. Working closely with the City of London Corporation and future development partners, we will continue to champion a vision for the site that delivers sustainable economic growth, creates opportunities for our residents and strengthens this borough’s role in London’s economy.”
The site forms part of the City Corporation’s wider Markets Sites Regeneration Programme, which aims to unlock strategic land and assets across the capital. The City Corporation is also working with the Greater London Authority, the London Borough of Newham, traders and partners to progress the relocation of Billingsgate and Smithfield markets to Albert Island in the Royal Docks.
