Barking Riverside  – a joint venture between the Homes and Communities Agency and Bellway Homes  – is preparing serviced development plots for the first 350 homes.

A start on the first two housing plots is underway by Bellway Essex and the London and Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

The joint venture has also entered into a £10m contract with Foundation Developments to deliver major roads and drainage networks for the first four housing plots and Rivergate Community Centre, which includes the new primary school.

The Rivergate Centre, which includes a primary school and church as well as community facilities, will also be built in this first phase.

David Lunts, London director for the HCA, said: “This scheme is massively important to the borough and our investment is maintaining delivery and ensuring the right mix of homes.”

Cllr Mick McCarthy, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Things are really moving at Barking Riverside. It’s great to see that building work is starting on the first houses.

“With the Rivergate Community Centre progressing well, 2011 promises to be an exciting year for the whole development.”

Video of Barking Riverside plans

The Barking Riverside project will be another important milestone in the Thames Gateway with the creation of 10,800 homes with 40 per cent open space