Barking and Dagenham Council is pleased to announce that planning permission has been officially granted for the long-awaited repair and restoration of the historic North Moat at Valence House - one of the borough’s most treasured heritage sites.
The £800k restoration works are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Arts Council England’s Museum Estates Development Fund, with match funding from Barking and Dagenham Council. Works are set to commence in Autumn 2025, marking a major milestone in preserving Barking and Dagenham’s rich cultural and historical legacy. Works will improve the historic setting of Valence House, a Grade II* Listed Building and restore lost views between the house and park. The moat is a rare example of a Medieval hand-dug moat, first documented in 1650, and an intrinsic part of the history and heritage of the site.
The project, led by the Council in partnership with leading heritage conservation specialists, aims to restore and enhance the ecological and biodiversity of the North moat while increasing the site's environmental sustainability and accessibility for visitors.
Valence House, the only surviving manor house in Dagenham and home to the borough’s Collections and Archives, is steeped in centuries of history. This restoration project will not only preserve a key feature of the site’s heritage but also create a welcoming and engaging experience for residents, families, and school groups. The public will be able to enjoy the newly restored moated enclosure, wider landscape, meadows and view one of London’s historic trees, The Holm Oak, located next to the moat.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Valence House holds a special place in the hearts of our residents. Restoring the moat is about more than just conservation - it’s about pride in our borough’s past and creating an inviting space that inspires future generations. This is an exciting step in our ongoing work to invest in and celebrate Barking and Dagenham’s unique heritage.”
Once complete, the restored moat will support improved ecological and biodiversity including, new bank edges, planting, new reed beds, and tree and shrub clearance to bring back meadows, open up sight lines, tree planting and accessibility. To protect the ecological sustainability of the North Moat, fishing will not be allowed.
Residents are encouraged to look out for regular updates on the Valence House website over the coming weeks as preparations for the works get underway. Works are expected to be completed by Spring 2026.
This initiative is part of a broader commitment to invest in Barking and Dagenham’s cultural and heritage, ensuring the borough’s diverse history remains visible and accessible to all.
A public session will be held at the Valence House Visitor Centre on Saturday 27 September at 11am to update residents on the works.
For more information, please visit Valence House – a place of discovery