Regeneration on tour

By Natalie Vincent - Tue 4 September 2018, 11:20 am

Buses, Land Rovers and a range of guided tours will feature prominently as part of this month's London Open House Festival in Barking and Dagenham.

The annual festival of architecture, which runs over the weekend of 22-23 September, encourages the public to visit little-known venues and areas, with the tours and attractions free of charge.

In Barking and Dagenham visitors can take a bus to view the borough’s regeneration projects, or see Barking town centre, Barking Riverside or the Becontree estate.

Historical attractions such as Eastbury Manor House, Barking Abbey and Valence House are open to the public alongside more unusual buildings such as the Children’s House on Parsloes Avenue and the Ice House Quarter on the River Roding.

Pat Hayes, managing director of Be First, the borough’s regeneration agency, which is organising a number of the tours, said: "Open House offers a chance to see parts of the capital that many people have never seen before, so we’re keen to welcome visitors. But Barking and Dagenham is changing so fast that it's also a really good opportunity for local people to join these free tours to find out what’s going on their doorstep."

All activities are free, but booking may be required. See here for full  details.

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