New homes in Barking: waterfront community of flats, shops, studios and an eco-park on former industrial site

At the height of the Empire in the late 19th century, River Roding and Barking Creek were home to England’s largest fishing fleet and to a vast icehouse where the catch was landed and stored before going to Billingsgate and other London markets.

Today, a complex of former mills and malthouses is being redeveloped into a waterfront community of flats, shops, work studios and restaurants.

This fledgling quarter also borders a park with the ruins of a medieval abbey.

Fresh Wharf is the first project to be served up — with 911 homes, a new river wall, moorings and pontoon decks.

From £300,000. Call Countryside on 020 3733 1191.

Remarkably, given the area’s industrial past, it boasts nature reserves and a new eco-park, while the Roding is still popular for fishing.

Nearby Barking Central Tube station is in Zone 4 on the District line.

And coming soon is a new Overground station at Barking Riverside close by.