Leigh Johnson has been appointed managing director of Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), the master developer behind East London鈥檚 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鈥檚 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. 聽He is moving to the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation,聽another mayoral project,聽to be its chief executive.
Barking Riverside Limited is a joint venture between the mayor of London鈥檚 office and L&Q, redeveloping the site of Barking power station site 鈥� an area the size of Hyde Park 鈥� with 20,000 houses and flats.
Johnson鈥檚 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. 聽It was the largest residential planning application in England last year.
Supported by 拢124m funding from Homes England, BRL is currently putting in the infrastructure 聽to pave the way for house-building.
L&Q finance director Ed Farnsworth, who is co-chair of the BRL boar, said: 鈥淟eigh brings with her a blend of contractor, developer and government experience 鈥� 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鈥檚 leadership able to unlock more critically needed homes for London, whilst promoting transformative, community-led development.鈥�
Leigh Johnson said: 鈥淭his 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.
鈥淗aving previously sat on both sides of the table, I feel uniquely positioned to reinforce BRL鈥檚 role as a true master developer, working collaboratively to deliver homes at the pace and quality that London requires.
鈥淚t 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鈥檓 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.鈥�
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