‘Dullest place in London’ to get a major upgrade with 2,900 new homes

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It will form part of the transformation of Barking Riverside (Picture: Peter MacDiarmid/Shutterstock) A significant planning approval has been granted for the development of 2,977 new homes on the site of a former gasworks in East London. St William, which is part of the Berkeley Group, intends to invest £250 million for the redevelopment of 30 acres of the former Beckton Gasworks, a site which has been derelict since the 1960s. This approval adds to the rapidly growing residential landscape of Barking Riverside, aligning with the goal to build 20,000 homes in the area, significantly enhancing its housing capacity. Key features of the large-scale redevelopment include affordable family homes, improved green spaces, enhanced river access, as well as new amenities such as retail outlets, employment hubs, and educational institutions. The new neighbourhood will transform an area that was previously named ‘the dullest place in London’ in a brutal Reddit post. In the subreddit r/London, one user wrote of Beckton: ‘I lived there for a year. This was about ten years back but it was the dullest place I’ve ever stayed in London. Very few shops very close by, no nightlife, and the DLR station is just a hassle.’ And several others shared the same sentiment, with one calling the area ‘incredibly dull’. However, others praised it for being a safe area, with one user writing: ‘If you want a quiet peaceful area out of the way then you’d like it’ The former gasworks will become a riverside neighbourhood (Picture: JTP) Plans include family homes, improved green spaces and enhanced river access (Picture: JTP) Things to do near Beckton As these urban regeneration projects unfold, the East London area offers a dynamic array of leisure, cultural, and outdoor opportunities suitable for both current residents and future newcomers. Beckton District Parks serves as a focal point for outdoor leisure, featuring sports facilities, children’s play areas, welcoming walking paths, and idyllic picnic zones. For cultural and historical attractions, Barking Abbey Ruins and Barking Museum are just a short journey from Barking Riverside. The historic Abbey ruins date back to the 7th century, offering a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage, while the nearby museum showcases local history, including the area’s industrial past and the tidal marshlands. Several locals have called Beckton ‘dull’ (Picture: Shutterstock / Raymond G21) For shopping, there’s Gallions Reach Shopping Park in Beckton, while Barking town centre combines traditional high street shopping with markets and independent retailers, as well as various cafes and pubs. Transport links Barking Riverside Overground Station opened in July 2022, connecting residents to key destinations such as Barking town centre, Stratford, and central London via the London Overground network. Passengers can travel to central London in as little as 22 minutes and to Barking in 7 minutes. Beckton DLR station provides quick access to other areas in the capital (Picture: Getty Images) Meanwhile, Beckton DLR station provides swift links to the financial districts and East London with direct routes to Canning Town, Stratford and Tower Gateway. Multiple bus routes, including three 24-hour routes, and segregated cycle paths connect Beckton and Barking Riverside with neighbouring districts, facilitating easy access to shopping, leisure, and cultural venues. There’s also an Uber Boat service from Barking Riverside Pier. Property prices in Beckton So far, Beckton has escaped the sky-high prices that consume most of the capital. According to Rightmove, house prices in Beckton have an overall average of £376,904 over the last year. Flats sold for an average price of £345,267, while terraced properties earned an average of £406,767 and semi-detached properties fetched £473,167. However, the data suggests that prices in the area are increasing, with sold prices over the last year 4% up on the previous year. Barking Riverside stands as a flagship urban regeneration project addressing London’s urgent housing demand, and the enhanced infrastructure is expected to support a growing population, projected to reach up to 50,000 residents. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.