Barking town centre is set to host a new summer food market focused on supporting local businesses after Barking and Dagenham Council secured £100,000 in funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
The council has been selected as one of four London boroughs to receive funding through the GLA’s Summer Streets programme. This programme supports outdoor food and cultural events aimed at attracting visitors and boosting local economies.
Plans for the market will see six shipping container-style food stalls installed at Short Blue Place, next to McDonald’s in East Street. The site will also include an outdoor seating area and host cultural performances organised by Artsdepot, which is due to take over the running of the nearby Broadway Theatre.
While the council has not yet confirmed an opening date, it says the market will have a strong focus on supporting businesses with a connection to Barking and Dagenham. A council spokesperson said the market would “showcase the borough’s diversity, reflecting the rich culture and cuisine of the community”.
Labour cllr Rubina Siddiqui, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said the project would help create a more vibrant town centre while providing opportunities for local traders.
She said: “This exciting new food market will help create a more vibrant Barking town centre by supporting local businesses, giving residents even more great food options, and creating a welcoming destination where people can come together.” The council says it is still developing details of how traders can apply for a stall and is working on the final arrangements for the market.
Council leader Dominic Twomey said the investment builds on Barking’s long-standing market heritage while helping to attract more visitors into the town centre. He said: “This investment builds on Barking’s proud history as a market town by supporting local entrepreneurs, increasing footfall and creating a stronger evening economy.
“By enhancing our market offer, creating attractive spaces for people to gather, eat and enjoy cultural events, we’re helping to build a town centre that is lively, inclusive and thriving.”
According to the council, the GLA funding will help pay for the infrastructure needed to establish the market and create a space that can host both food traders and community events.
The project forms part of wider efforts to increase activity in Barking town centre and encourage residents and visitors to spend more time in the area.
