This neighbourhood is a quintessentially suburban town situated to the East of London; with its rows of terraced and semi-detached houses, fantastic access to central London from nearby Barking or Upney Station, and relatively affordable prices, it’s no surprise then that it is an attractive option for those looking to live that bit further out. One of the particular highlights of this neighbourhood is Barking Park, which offers 30 hectares of green space, where one can partake in a plethora of sporting activities, including tennis, basketball, bowls, or engage with local wildlife in the designated flower garden. Another predominant feature is the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre, which provides locals with a fantastic shopping experience, meeting all their needs with the large number of shops that are available. And if that wasn’t enough, the neighbourhood is also packed full of cultural experiences, whether that is a trip to the National Trust property, Eastbury Manor House, or a visit to the ruins of Barking Abbey – there is something for everyone to enjoy here!

One of the most prominent features of this neighbourhood is Barking Park. Opened in 1896, it was the first council-controlled park in the Borough, and was established in a classic Victorian style. The most prominent feature of the park is the boating lake, and this itself has its own particular history. The 910-metre lake initially was the place to come on a summer’s day as it accommodated rowing boats, and then later in 1953, motor boats and a paddle steamer, named Phoenix II. The steamer was later closed in 1967, and from then, over time, the lake became run down. More recently in 2006, the council received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve the pleasure boat lake, and since its grand re-opening in 2012, the lake has been enjoyed by adults and children once more!

The former England captains, Bobby Moore and John Terry were both from Barking. Barking has also served as reference for several musical endeavours, including the band Underworld’s 2010 album named Barking, and the artist Ramz, whose song was also named Barking! And if that wasn’t enough, the slang term “Barking”, which is short for “barking mad” reportedly originated from this neighbourhood due to the presence of a medieval insane asylum.

This neighbourhood is located in the Borough of Barking and Dagenham, which is understood to be the most deprived borough in London, with high levels of unemployment, homelessness, and premature death. But the neighbourhood and its surroundings are aiming to challenge this stigma with the establishment of several social projects, which are transforming the physical and social health of the neighbourhood’s residents. It has been largely successful so far, to the extent that other Boroughs and cities are looking to follow a similar model.

The 10-year strategy to regenerate Barking Town Centre is underway and sets out the plan for the area up to 2030. With a focus on the ‘15-minute city’ the plan aims to bring amenities to within 15 minute’s walk from all residential areas, improving access to work, learning, retail, culture and food and drink, as well as enhancing green spaces such as Abbey Green, Barking Park and Greatfields, and connecting them to smaller parks. One of many planned large-scale mixed-use developments is the rebuilding of the old Vicarage Field shopping centre opposite Barking Station, which will include over 900 new homes, culture and arts spaces, a 150-room hotel, improved green space, and a new healthcare facility. It will be exciting to see how Barking is transformed over the coming decade!