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Leigh Johnson has been appointed managing director of Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), the master developer behind East London’s largest residential development.

Johnson joins BRL from Wates Residential, where she is regional development director for London. She has previously held leadership positions at four of the UK’s top five house-builders and also worked at Homes England for three years.

She starts her new job in November, taking over from Matthew Carpen, who has been in post for 12 years.  He is moving to the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation, another mayoral project, to be its chief executive.

Barking Riverside Limited is a joint venture between the mayor of London’s office and L&Q, redeveloping the site of Barking power station site – an area the size of Hyde Park – with 20,000 houses and flats.

Johnson’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the scheme. A new outline planning application was submitted in 2024 and is due to be determined in 2026.  It was the largest residential planning application in England last year.

Supported by £124m funding from Homes England, BRL is currently putting in the infrastructure  to pave the way for house-building.

L&Q finance director Ed Farnsworth, who is co-chair of the BRL boar, said: “Leigh brings with her a blend of contractor, developer and government experience – a mix that reflects the crucial partnership working at the heart of BRL. Barking Riverside has always been about supporting growth, connection and community. That vision remains unchanged, with Leigh’s leadership able to unlock more critically needed homes for London, whilst promoting transformative, community-led development.”

Leigh Johnson said: “This is a nationally significant project and a career-defining opportunity, not only because of the scale of homes being delivered, but also because of the credibility and commitment of the partners involved.

“Having previously sat on both sides of the table, I feel uniquely positioned to reinforce BRL’s role as a true master developer, working collaboratively to deliver homes at the pace and quality that London requires.

“It is a privilege to be joining an experienced and dedicated team, which has already done so much to establish the identity, ambition and reputation of this emerging destination. Together, I’m looking forward to shaping a neighbourhood that residents are proud to call home, all whilst delivering an inclusive and lasting legacy for this part of East London.”

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