BARKING MP Margaret Hodge has seen the progress being made to set up a creative industries quarter in the borough. She visited the historic Malthouse arts centre in Abbey Road, Barking, on last week to hear from London Thames Gateway Development Corporati

BARKING MP Margaret Hodge has seen the progress being made to set up a creative industries quarter in the borough.

She visited the historic Malthouse arts centre in Abbey Road, Barking, on last week to hear from London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) chairman Bob Lane and arts groups about future plans for the site.

The corporation is seeking planning permission to extend the Malthouse, restore the granary warehouse next door, and build four new buildings.

The future plans include 300 new homes, shops, and an additional 5,000 sq m of work spaces for creative industries, as well as new public transport links.

A decision on the application, which was lodged in November, is expected this spring.

After seeing a model of the proposed scheme Mrs Hodge said: "The future plans for the site being developed by LTGDC look fantastic - Barking really deserves a place like this where people can engage with and enjoy the creative industries.