£38m London “garden style” industrial development to create 300 local jobs

Construction of a “garden style” industrial development got underway by the Thames this week, with particular focus on its sustainability and ability to support local jobs.

Once completed, ‘Industria’ will be the first multi-storey light industrial development to be built in the UK and it will also feature two ‘living walls’, helping create a more sustainable space for industry to grow and develop. It is expected to be completed by February 2023.

Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, who helped kick off the building work in Thames Road, Barking, said: “Industria will host a huge range of makers and creators, all ready to generate a new industrial revolution down by the river, at the same time as providing hundreds of new jobs and opportunities for local people.”

Industria is supported by £1m of the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, delivered through the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP), alongside Barking and Dagenham Council’s investment of £37m.

Deputy mayor of London for planning, regeneration, and skills, Jules Pipe, said: “The Mayor and I are determined to use the Good Growth Fund to challenge preconceptions about how regeneration takes place, which is why we are pleased to be supporting this new innovative, sustainable development that will provide hundreds of new jobs and opportunities for local people.”

The development will house tenants in flexible units arranged around a vehicle accessible multi-storey hub. The experience for visitors and neighbours will be enhanced by green walls, business lounge, lively shopfronts, and a new local café.

Lily Kwong, development manager at Be First, said: “Industria will be the first development of its kind built in the UK. It will be a beacon of sustainable industrial development, providing high-quality modern space which will enable business to thrive in Barking riverside.”

Patrick Murphy, operations director at McLaren said: “We look forward to working with Be First and the people of Barking and Dagenham to deliver an exceptionally attractive and sustainable industrial development.”

Hugo Braddick of architects Haworth Tompkins said: “Using innovative spatial solutions and progressive green landscaping infrastructure, [Industria] will create a multi-level working neighbourhood for 300 people within one building, with vehicle access to every floor.”

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