Barking’s Vicarage Field Shopping Centre could be redeveloped with more bars and restaurants while Dagenham Heathway is also slated for renewal, reports Nick Clark, Local Democracy Reporter
Some “really exciting developments” in Barking and Dagenham’s nightlife are in the pipeline, according to the council leader.
Labour council leader Dominic Twomey made the claim at an assembly meeting of all councillors yesterday (Wednesday 28th).
He said there were “some really exciting developments happening in and around our borough”.
Cllr Twomey said these include the “upgrading” of the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre in Barking town centre, and “significant changes” to Dagenham Heathway.
A draft planning policy for Dagenham Heathway envisions “improving the number and range of cafes, restaurants and eateries” in the area.
The vision is part of a ‘supplemental planning document‘ for Dagenham Heathway, which sets out the sort of development the council would approve in the area.
Council leaders agreed to launch a public consultation on the document at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 20th January.
Vicarage Field could also be redeveloped to potentially include more bars and restaurants. Council leaders agreed to sell the building to facilitate the redevelopment in September 2025.
Speaking yesterday, Cllr Twomey also suggested money raised by a London-wide overnight visitor levy might also “help both nighttime economy and uplifting the town centre”.
The Greater London Authority looks set to introduce the so-called “tourist tax” after the government gave this power to English regional mayors last year.
Cllr Twomey said Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan had “made a commitment that this will be shared out across London”.
However, Cllr Twomey also said he’d asked Khan to fund the police with the money raised.
He said: “We want London to be a fully vibrant city, but equally what we want is our police officers to be policing on the beat every single day. We’re very hopeful that he will treat that request favourably.”
