At South Dagenham there is the potential to build a mix of commercial, industrial and residential development on 80 hectares of land between the main rail corridor and the A1306. Design for London has been involved in the project from the initial concept masterplan to detailed planning.

 

The proposals for South Dagenham will provide a new heart for Dagenham and a transitional zone between the housing areas to the north and the industrial areas of Dagenham Dock and the Ford Motor Company estate.

 

The scheme will include new links between Dagenham Heathway underground station and Dagenham Dock station, with a pedestrian and cycle link across the railway. As well as facilitating a transport interchange with C2C, East London Transit and Docklands Light Railway, this will connect the development with Chequers Lane and ultimately to a new public space designed by Florian Beigel with a café on an elevated platform looking over the Thames.

 

In 2003 Design for London worked with partners to select four teams of consultants - Maccreanor Lavington, West 8, Studio 333, and Shillam & Smith - who worked together to explore options for the site. Two consultants were then appointed to bring forward more detailed masterplans - Maccreanor Lavington for South Dagenham West and West 8 for South Dagenham East. When Axa came on board to take forward the western site, Maccreanor Lavington were re-commissioned as part of the team to work towards a planning application.

 

Throughout the process, Design for London has acted as design champion, helped with consultant selection and briefing, and conducted regular design reviews.

 

Partners: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, London Development Agency, Axa