In Barking, a part of East London undergoing rapid transformation, property developer Weston Homes is introducing the first phase of commercial space at Abbey Quay, a new £350 million, six-acre riverside urban village. The 2,559 sq ft ground floor unit is set to welcome an exciting commercial operator—whether a new venture or an established name.

In the future, the village will feature six additional units across three phases. The location of the first unit is quite strategic, situated on the corner of London Road and Abbey Road, which is just a two-minute drive from the North Circular Road. The unit, currently a blank canvas, is open for an array of commercial opportunities. Ideal for retail, hospitality, or health and fitness operators, this space aims to offer quality facilities for the residents of Abbey Quay and the surrounding community.

The borough of Barking and Dagenham is a rising star in East London. The £2 billion regeneration project brings a significant increase in job opportunities—25,000 new ones so far—with plans for 50,000 new homes over the next two decades. This growth, alongside a projected population increase of 13% over the next ten years, makes Barking an appealing location for investment.

Abbey Quay, located on the River Roding, is an important part of this rejuvenation. The development plans include 1,118 luxury apartments, ample public space, and 41,000 sq ft of commercial, retail, and leisure facilities, including restaurants, shops, cafes, a gym, and a community hub. The environment will be pedestrian-friendly, with tree-lined avenues, public artwork, and large open spaces.

In terms of connectivity, Abbey Quay scores highly. Barking station, the UK's ninth busiest station, is just a seven-minute walk away, and the London College of Business and Waltham International College are just a 10-minute walk, creating a convenient hub for work, study, and play.

A key feature of Abbey Quay is Loxford Plaza, a public square overlooking the river, replete with a pavilion restaurant, outdoor seating, and river views. The Community Hub and the Resident’s Hub, equipped with concierge service and flexible leisure spaces, serve as social centres where residents can work, participate in activities, or meet friends.

Phase two of the commercial offering at Abbey Quay is set to consist of three further units, including a three-floor 8,710 sq ft premises, a two-floor 3,508 sq ft premises and a two-floor 5,065 sq ft premises. Phase three will see a two-floor, 6,049 sq ft unit, whilst phase four will deliver two more ground floor units, both providing 2,422 sq ft of commercial space. 

Suzanne Aplin, Group Sales and Marketing Director at Weston Homes commented: “Abbey Quay is a new waterfront urban village adjacent to Barking Town Centre which forms part of one of the largest and most exciting London regeneration projects in recent years. The new commercial operator will bring much-needed quality facilities to what is becoming a thriving area, benefitting from large numbers of new and existing local residents, as well as passing traffic at this busy location just two minutes from the North Circular”.

For more information on the commercial space available at Abbey Quay, please visit the appointed commercial agent GCW at: https://gcw.co.uk/project/734/abbey-quay-barking-ig11-7ax