Barking Riverside Limited, the master developer behind the Barking Riverside development in east London, has appointed civil engineering contractor Mackley to undertake foreshore works along the River Thames. Barking Riverside is a joint venture of L&Q and the Mayor of London.
The £12m contract will see Mackley undertake a programme of flood defence and drainage works along 500 metres of Thames river frontage, unlocking further land for housing development. Construction is expected to commence in February 2026 and will take approximately 14 months.
The works will enhance the south-facing river frontage, improving resident and visitor access to the Thames. Once complete, the area will integrate a new riverside terrace to the east of the Barking Riverside Pier and improved pedestrian routes along the Thames. The project is also designed to enhance wildlife habitats and provide new play areas for residents and visitors.
Mackley’s works will raise the Thames flood defence crest from +7.1mOD to +8.2mOD in line with the Thames Estuary 2100 strategy, using a combination of regrading, reinforced concrete walls and localised sheet piling. Surface water is managed via swales, attenuation basins and storage tanks, with 1,250 sqm of new intertidal habitat created. The design integrates utilities corridors, fire and maintenance access, and ecological mitigation to protect and recreate priority habitats while remodelling public realm.
Barking Riverside managing director Leigh Johnson said: “Barking Riverside’s foreshore is the largest habitat type of its kind along London’s River Thames, and we are immensely proud of this fantastic asset. These foreshore works are essential to safeguard the river’s edge and to unlock thousands of vitally needed homes, all whilst creating a distinctive sense of place for Barking Riverside with the Thames at its centre. Appointing Mackley – an experienced delivery partner – demonstrates BRL’s commitment to ensure this complex package is undertaken with sensitivity and care.”
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