A new building project aims to “kick-start regeneration” by bringing jobs and vital new housing to the borough.

Barking and Dagenham Post: A number of community facilities will be provided with the buildA number of community facilities will be provided with the build (Image: Archant)

The development in Marks Gate, Dagenham, could see as many as 50 jobs filled by local recruits, with 10 lasting beyond the construction phase, as well as 80 new social houses, a community centre, fitness centre and coffee shop.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Rev Roger Gayler, Vicar of St Marks Church, DagenhamRev Roger Gayler, Vicar of St Marks Church, Dagenham (Image: Archant)

St Marks Church and vicarage would be demolished and a new church built.

Barking and Dagenham Post: The proposed development two other areas aprart from the church siteThe proposed development two other areas aprart from the church site (Image: Archant)

The proposals are being led by the church, along with the Berkeley Foundation, which works with charities to help young Londoners, national housing charity Green Pastures and Barking and Dagenham Council.

“This whole scheme is really to get under the skin of Marks Gate to kick-start that regeneration,” said Paul Cunningham, a partner at Berkeley Foundation.

“We want to create jobs for people living in Marks Gate and help people that have not been working for quite a long time to return to work.

“It really is, ‘How do we get change in Marks Gate? How do we lift this area out of deprivation?’”

He added the site was a “moveable feast” and facilities demanded by the public during consultation could be incorporated into the design.

The development will be in three locations, with the biggest on the site of the existing St Marks Church.

Disused public toilets in Rose Lane will also be demolished and the land redeveloped, along with a garage site in Roles Grove.

If planning permission is granted, the developers hope to be on site — on the corner of Rose Lane and Arneways Avenue — as early as September.

“We are delighted to have an opportunity to offer the community this fantastic development that will allow us to offer hospitality, learning, health and worship for everyone,” said St Marks Church vicar, the Rev Roger Gayler.

• Members of the public are invited to consult on the proposed plans at Marks Gate Community Centre, Rose Road, on Friday, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and on Saturday, from 10.30am until 5.30pm.