<p>Plans are progressing for one of Europe’s largest brownfield regeneration schemes, at Barking Reach in the Thames Gateway. Following planning consent being granted for the 179ha masterplan, developer Barking Riverside – a joint venture between Bellway and English Partnerships – has launched an architectural competition for the site. Set to comprise 10,800 new homes, along with retail and community facilities, the competition is calling for designs for the first phase of 4,000 homes. Barking Riverside md Roger Bond said the developer would be looking for high quality “public realm” to be a major element of the design. “We’re planning for high densities across the central part of the site, with family housing in the hinterland,” said Bond. “The masterplan provides interesting examples of family housing built at high densities.” </p> <p>The ambitious scheme has progressed since the government committed £400 million to bringing transport infrastructure to the site, including an extension of London’s Docklands Light Railway. The design panel, which includes members of CABE, English Partnerships, Design for London, and Barking Council, will be looking for innovative methods of construction and environmentally sustainable design, said Bond. “We’re looking to select two or three firms to engage for the job. “The …