Delegates, developers, contractors and Council officers attended the opening that showcased the improvement works which started in September 2011.
The £1.3 million works to improve the area in front of the station and the pavement area opposite the station on the northern side of Station Parade, was funded by Transport for London, Greater London Authority (Outer London Fund) and other contributions.
The improvements, designed by Parsons Brinckerhoff and Project Centre involved removing the existing bus lay-by and providing new pull-in bus stops off Station Parade, re-paving the pedestrian areas with high quality granite paving, new bus shelters, new taxi pick-up points, improved lighting, better signage, new litter bins and new cycle parking, informal seating and a station clock.
The improvements also included two new short term parking bay drop-off points for people with disabilities and a loading bay on the south side Salisbury Avenue (adjacent to the railway line) near the junction with Station Parade. Pedestrian space outside the station has now nearly doubled alleviating congestion that was one of the main problems in this area.
Public consultation was carried out with station users in March 2010. Users were asked what they considered to be the biggest problem with the area in front of the station. The biggest response, 32 per cent, was ‘overcrowding’, followed by 14 per cent who said ‘not enough waiting space for buses’ and 10 per cent who said ‘security’.
Cllr Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “We are delighted with the improvements at Barking Station Forecourt. They have made a huge difference to the area. The new space is more welcoming, attractive and easier to use.
“We would like to thank Transport for London, the Mayor of London and our developers and contractors who all contributed to the works. We would also like to thank residents and commuters for their patience during the time the improvement works took place.”