Barking and Dagenham Council has approved a £2.23 million upgrade to the fire safety system at Barking Industria, a multi-storey industrial unit in the south of the borough. The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, aims to enhance the building's lettings potential and maximise income for the borough.
The current fire safety system lacks the 'high hazard sprinklers' necessary to allow for storage racking over four metres high. Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Economic Development, explained in the Industria Sprinklers Report that the upgrade will permit storage up to seven metres in the 20 large warehouses.
Cllr Geddes emphasised the financial benefits of the upgrade, stating, Whatever the long-term future of the building, whether we manage it ourselves, as we're doing at the moment, or decide to cash in on it, one way or another, it's going to be much better for the borough if we've got these sprinklers in. So it's extra money, but it's extra money to try and bring in extra money back into the borough.
Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, echoed this sentiment, stating that Industria is groundbreaking in many ways
and that maximising income from the site is essential. He added that anything that helps bring in extra income and stimulate the local economy is much needed.
The decision is subject to the call-in process. The Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth and Place, has been authorised to commission the necessary works via Be First. The Head of Legal has been delegated authority to execute all legal agreements and contracts related to the project. Be First's role is to commission the necessary works for the sprinkler system upgrade.
