The opening of a permanent health hub for Barking Riverside has been delayed due to protracted negotiations and rising costs, councillors heard.
During a Health Scrutiny Committee meeting, it was revealed that while an interim health facility is nearing completion, the plans for a permanent facility remain uncertain. Moira Coughlan, Deputy Director for Neighbourhood Development, provided an update on the interim facility, which is expected to include five clinical and treatment rooms, reception, and waiting areas. The detailed design for the interim health facility is complete, and a fit-out contractor has been appointed. Work is expected to begin on-site in September 2026. Ms. Coughlan stated that a confirmed completion date will be shared once the contractor's programme has been finalised, and that a further wave of communications is about to be initiated now the contractor is on site. Services are expected to begin after the fit-out is complete and all operational, regulatory, and contractual arrangements are in place.
However, councillors voiced frustration over the lengthy process. Councillor Glen Spoor highlighted a five-year delay in reaching the interim stage and stressed that any further reduction in the scope of the permanent facility would be unacceptable. Councillor Marion Hull echoed these concerns, emphasising the urgent need for a permanent solution to support the expanding population.
Ms. Coughlan stated she had no information on the timeline for the permanent facility, as its development is subject to negotiations between the council and Barking Riverside Limited, with the NHS acting as a provider. The protracted negotiations for the permanent health hub have been delayed due to rising building costs
which led to the leisure centre component of the original plan being dropped. The development of the permanent health and well-being facility is described as a negotiation between the council and Barking Riverside Limited. Ms. Coughlan stated that the NHS would be the provider, and the costing, payment, and contracting for the permanent facility is a negotiation between the council and Barking Riverside Limited. An allocation exists within Section 106 agreements for the community and health facility, but the leisure centre component had to be dropped due to rising building costs. David Harley, the council's Director of Place or Inclusive Growth, is expected to report back on the timescale for the permanent facility.
Concerns were also raised about the capacity modelling for the interim facility. The interim health facility is a 260 m² unit and includes five clinical and treatment rooms, reception, waiting, and office space. Councillor Hull inquired about demand and capacity modelling, and it was explained that existing health modelling suggests current provision, with additional GPs at Thames View Health Centre, could cope with the current population. However, the space at Thames View is not suitable for additional capacity. The interim facility is designed to accommodate current demand and future growth, with the neighbourhood expected to reach up to 20,000 homes. It was explained that the building at Thames View Health Centre is not suitable for additional capacity, and whilst there might be additional GPs there to pick up need, there isn't the space for people waiting for a service. Residents of Barking Riverside should not have to travel to Thames View Health Centre.
Residents' involvement in shaping the services and internal design of the facility was also discussed. A resident committee was involved in the initial design of the permanent facility. The meeting noted that the interim nature of the current project meant less direct involvement, but the structure to involve local residents remains, and future designs will prioritize community input. Ms. Coughlan mentioned that they had a resident committee that worked with them initially in designing the permanent facility and involved people from the Bromley-by-Bow Centre to show them the best way to work with communities.
For more information on the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting, please refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.
