Leigh Johnson will head up venture to lead 20,000-home development 

Barking Riverside has appointed a new managing director (MD) to lead the 20,000-home residential development.

Leigh Johnson, who joins from Wates Residential, has been appointed MD of the joint venture between L&Q and the Mayor of London.

Leigh Johnson New MD Barking Riverside Limited

Leigh Johnson, new MD of Barking Riverside

Barking Riverside has the capacity to deliver up to 20,000 and it was the largest residential planning application submitted in England last year.

Johnson was regional development director for London at Wates, leading on joint venture projects such as those with the London Borough of Harrow. She has previously held senior positions at Barratt, Redrow and Taylor Wimpey and worked at Homes England as head of design and master planning.

Barking Riverside is being delivered on a site formerly occupied by the 1920s Barking Power Station.  

Johnson’s appointment comes as a new Outline Planning Application submitted in 2024 is due to be determined in 2026. 

Ed Farnsworth, co-chair of the Barking Riverside board and executive group director for finance at L&Q, said: “Leigh brings with her a blend of contractor, developer and government experience – a mix that reflects the crucial partnership working at the heart of Barking Riverside.”

>>See also: Permission sought to double Barking Riverside delivery to 20,000 homes

Johnson said: “I’m proud to be joining Barking Riverside at this critical and energising moment in its evolution. This is a nationally significant project and a career-defining opportunity, not only because of the scale of homes being delivered, but also because of the credibility and commitment of the partners involved.

“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.”

Johnson’s appointment follows the end of Matthew Carpen’s 12-year tenure as managing director, who has been in post for 12 years. He becomes CEO of the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, another Mayor of London project, later this autumn.

Johnson is expected to start her new role as managing director in November 2025.

The Barking Riverside scheme is supported by a £124 million infrastructure funding package from Homes England.