Leigh Johnson has been appointed managing director of Barking Riverside Limited (BRL), the master developer behind the residential development bringing thousands of new homes to East London.
BRL is a joint venture between the Mayor of London and L&Q and Johnson joins from Wates Residential, where she was regional development director for London. leading on joint venture projects such as those with the London Borough of Harrow. She has previously held senior leadership positions at four of the UK’s top five housebuilders, where her focus has been on large, complex and multi-phase housing delivery schemes. She also worked at Homes England for three years.
Johnson is expected to start her new role as managing director in November 2025.
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for Barking Riverside, an area the size of London’s Hyde Park, which was formerly occupied by the historic 1920s Barking Power Station.
A new Outline Planning Application – which was submitted in 2024 and is due to be determined in 2026 – sets out BRL’s ambition to deliver up to 20,000 homes across the development. This was the largest residential planning application in England last year, with next year’s determination marking a major milestone for the project.
Over the next 12 months, key deliverables include:
- Enhancing access to the River Thames, inclusive of a new pedestrian promenade, play, public seating and upgraded flood defences.
- The creation of a major Boulevard park, with dedicated spaces for sport and play.
- The launch of new health facilities, shops and restaurants.
- Several strategic land sales, which together represent over 3,000 new homes.
Ed Farnsworth, co-chair of the BRL board and executive group director for finance at L&Q, commented: “We are pleased to have appointed Leigh Johnson to the role of Managing Director. Leigh brings with her a blend of contractor, developer and government experience – a mix that reflects the crucial partnership working at the heart of BRL. Barking Riverside has always been about supporting growth, connection and community. That vision remains unchanged, with Leigh’s leadership able to unlock more critically needed homes for London, whilst promoting transformative, community-led development.”
Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and BRL board member, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Leigh to the BRL team, where her diverse housing expertise will help us deliver not just high quality new homes, but a truly sustainable and liveable neighbourhood. We look forward to seeing the Barking Riverside development progress as we continue working to build a better, greener, more prosperous London for all.”
“Having previously sat on both sides of the table, I feel uniquely positioned to reinforce BRL’s role as a true master developer, working collaboratively to deliver homes at the pace and quality that London requires.
“It is a privilege to be joining an experienced and dedicated team, which has already done so much to establish the identity, ambition and reputation of this emerging destination. Together, I’m looking forward to shaping a neighbourhood that residents are proud to call home, all whilst delivering an inclusive and lasting legacy for this part of East London.”
Johnson’s appointment follows the end of Matthew Carpen’s tenure as managing director, who has been in post for 12 years. He will take up his position as CEO of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, another Mayor of London project, later this autumn.
