MILLIONS of pounds have been earmarked to turn the old University of East London campus in Barking into a community wonderland. The site in Longbridge Road will soon be home to over a thousand flats and houses, a primary school, playing fields and an eigh

MILLIONS of pounds have been earmarked to turn the old University of East London campus in Barking into a community wonderland.

The site in Longbridge Road will soon be home to over a thousand flats and houses, a primary school, playing fields and an eight lane swimming pool.

George Wimpey Homes and L&Q Housing Trust have invested �6.25million in the scheme, which is expected to be a massive boost for the borough.

The 1,042 new homes will be state-of-the-art with fibre -optic broadband internet and television connections.

L&Q Housing Trust have secured 356 of these as affordable homes.

People of all ages and those living with disabilities will also be catered for.

And even those planning not to live in the new housing development will benefit from it with access to the new primary school, playing fields, tennis courts and five-a-side football pitch, swimming pool and a recreation area for teenagers.

Developers even plan to spend money to improve the facilities at nearby Mayesbrook Park.

The new housing complex, called Academy Central, will be very environmentally friendly with bus stops, cycle lanes and stores for residents' bikes.

The homes themselves will be more energy efficient with a centralised heating system and "green roofs" which offer natural insulation and improve air quality.

The first three and four bedroom houses will go on sale for �249,995 and three bedroom flats will costs �149,995.

Developers plan to retain the old university campus building, which is a listed landmark and dates back to 1936.

The beautiful exterior is set to be preserved with the inside being converted into 100 flats.

For more information on Academy Central call 0845 0264 074.