Major foreshore investment at Barking Riverside advances digital construction delivery across east London waterfront communities.
Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), master developer of the Barking Riverside development in east London, has appointed civil engineering specialist Mackley to deliver extensive foreshore works along the River Thames, supporting housing delivery and resilient infrastructure through digital construction and coordinated infrastructure planning.
The programme focuses on improving public access along the development’s 2km south-facing Thames frontage while strengthening flood protection, drainage systems, and ecological habitats. Once delivered, the scheme will introduce a riverside terrace east of Barking Riverside Pier, upgraded pedestrian routes, play areas, and integrated habitat improvements supporting biodiversity and community use.
The £12 million design and build contract covers approximately 500 metres of river frontage, unlocking further land for housing delivery while reinforcing long-term flood resilience. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with completion expected after a 14-month programme.
Barking Riverside forms one of London’s largest regeneration programmes, delivering up to 20,000 homes alongside transport, education, and commercial facilities, subject to planning consent. The development is delivered by Barking Riverside Limited, a joint venture between L&Q and the Mayor of London.
Thames flood defence infrastructure
The foreshore package demonstrates how digital construction methodologies support complex civil engineering delivery across active development zones. Detailed modelling, phasing coordination, and integrated infrastructure planning enable construction activity to proceed while protecting existing habitats and maintaining public safety.
Works include raising the Thames flood defence crest from +7.1mOD to +8.2mOD in accordance with the Thames Estuary 2100 strategy. Delivery combines regrading operations, reinforced concrete flood walls, and targeted sheet piling interventions.
Surface water management incorporates swales, attenuation basins, and underground storage tanks, reducing flood risk while supporting future development phases. Approximately 1,250 square metres of intertidal habitat will also be created, improving ecological connectivity along the river corridor.
Design integration also provides utility corridors, maintenance and fire access routes, and mitigation measures protecting priority habitats. Public realm elements have been shaped through resident consultation, ensuring safe and accessible waterfront access.
Homes England partnership
Infrastructure delivery at Barking Riverside continues through funding support from Homes England. The long-term partnership between BRL and Homes England received recognition as Public/Private Partnership of the Year at the Estates Gazette Awards 2025, reflecting collaboration that has unlocked £124 million to deliver essential infrastructure and enable housing delivery.
Foreshore works follow ecological mitigation completed with consultancy Ramboll, including a reptile translocation programme relocating species to prepared habitats before construction activities commenced. The programme will deepen coastal grassland areas, supporting bird nesting and habitat expansion across the Thames edge.
Community and infrastructure benefits
Leigh Johnson, Managing Director at Barking Riverside Limited, 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.”
Andrew Martin, Area Manager at Mackley, added: “Mackley are extremely excited to be appointed as the Design and Build contractor delivering the prestigious Barking Riverside Project. The project will provide an excellent green space amenity for generations of Barking Riverside residents, and we are looking forward to engaging with the local community throughout the scheme.”
Barking Riverside’s foreshore delivery demonstrates how digital construction, resilient flood infrastructure, and ecological planning together support housing growth, waterfront access, and sustainable urban expansion across London.
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