At the height of the Empire in the late 19th century, River Roding and Barking Creek were home to England’s largest fishing fleet and to a vast icehouse where the catch was landed and stored before going to Billingsgate and other London markets.
Today, a complex of former mills and malthouses is being redeveloped into a waterfront community of flats, shops, work studios and restaurants.
This fledgling quarter also borders a park with the ruins of a medieval abbey.
Fresh Wharf is the first project to be served up — with 911 homes, a new river wall, moorings and pontoon decks.
From £300,000. Call Countryside on 020 3733 1191.
Remarkably, given the area’s industrial past, it boasts nature reserves and a new eco-park, while the Roding is still popular for fishing.
Nearby Barking Central Tube station is in Zone 4 on the District line.
And coming soon is a new Overground station at Barking Riverside close by.
Prices from £300,000: flats at Fresh Wharf, Barking, the first part of the waterfront redevelopment