We’ve helped to connect communities in East London through the extension of the Gospel Oak to Barking Overground line east of Barking Station. Delivered by the MSVF (Morgan Sindall Infrastructure and VolkerFitzpatrick) Joint Venture, the line terminates at a new elevated station in the main square of the Barking Riverside development. This new infrastructure will serve 10,800 new homes being built as part of the Barking Riverside Limited residential development, providing transport links from the new community into Central London.
As part of the works we delivered a 1.5 kilometre viaduct, terminus station and installed a new railway line, as well as modifying and realigning existing Network Rail operational infrastructure. The station provides a focal point for the local community, with retail space and communal areas in and around the station.
Project facts
- Spans 4.5 kilometres in length with three major compounds within a densely populated London Borough
- Interfaces with mainline rail lines, significant highways, HS1 tunnels, an operational goods yard, as well as a major development
Making a difference
Since work began in 2018, the project team has undertaken over £191 million of social value activity to support local schools, sports clubs, community and outreach programmes. Their programme has also included several targeted work placement programmes including Get into Transport, Women in Construction and Steps into Work.
In particular, a focus on inclusive local recruitment has led to over 70 people from diverse backgrounds gaining experience in the UK rail industry, with representation including women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, and people who were previously unemployed, leading to positive outlooks for careers within the UK rail industry.
Stakeholder engagement is managed by our social value team. They established early relationships with the local school, residents, property developer, Network Rail, the council and other stakeholders.
We are also sponsoring Barking Rugby Club and provide fitness, nutrition and careers advice to young members at various events.
Social value in action: The numbers behind the project
Supported by a dedicated team and social value charter, the project has created 38 apprenticeships, over 1,000 work placement and experience days, and more than 4,000 mentoring hours, as well as engaging with over 1,300 students. In addition, the project has provided £25,000 funds to community programmes.
Sunrise at the South Viaduct
"I visited Barking Riverside extension today to look at the station and had a long walk along the viaduct to pier 13. The safety was top class and the standard of work was high. This was only bettered by the attitude of the people I met. I was really impressed with the social value you are giving to the local community."
