Barking Riverside will comprise more than 10,000 homes across 443 acres, along 2 kilometres of Thames riverfront.
Paul Derrigan, Preim’s Facilities Manager at Barking Riverside, has been working on the development for two years and recently joined Preim. He has shared the latest on current progress and what residents can expect from this new chapter in the development’s management.
Q: Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities on the site?
A: As Facilities Manager, I oversee all communal areas of the estate. This involves site inspections, condition surveys, managing service charge budgets in partnership with the Estate Manager, and leading small projects from start to finish.
I also handle contractor management and oversee regular inspections for things like risk assessments, landscaping, street lighting, and more. Essentially, I ensure that everything on-site runs smoothly and remains in great condition for residents.
Q: What services will Preim provide as the new managing agent?
A: Preim will handle all the responsibilities I mentioned and more. This includes setting and collecting service charges, which is crucial for maintaining the high standards we aim to deliver across the estate.
Q: Who are the developers behind Barking Riverside?
A: The site is being developed by Barking Riverside Limited (BRL) in partnership with L&Q and Bellway.
Q: How long has the site been operational?
A: The initial phase, Stage 1, has been running for 13 years now, but this is still very much a growing and evolving development.
Q: Why is effective estate management so important on a site of this scale?
A: Effective estate management is essential for maintaining the quality of life for residents and the long-term sustainability of the development. On a site as large as Barking Riverside, good management ensures that communal areas are safe and well-maintained, service charge budgets are efficiently managed, and any issues are addressed quickly.
It’s about keeping the community connected, well-serviced, and future-proofed for growth. Without strong management, a development of this may be difficult to keep on top of, which would impact both property values and resident satisfaction.
Q: What challenges do you anticipate in managing such a large estate?
A: The size and unpredictability are the biggest challenges. No two days are the same here, and with such a large site, managing everything from utilities to communal areas can be complex.
Q: What makes working on Barking Riverside so exciting?
A: It’s the sheer scale of the development and the exciting plans for the future. There’s always something happening, and it’s rewarding to be part of a growing community that will continue to evolve over the years.
Q: What can residents expect from the site under Preim’s management?
A: Quick responses, transparent communication with clients, and value for money are top priorities. Preim is dedicated to ensuring that we offer the best service possible for residents.
I’m confident that Preim will introduce new tools and practices that will further enhance how we manage the estate.
With Preim now at the helm of the estate management, Barking Riverside is poised to continue to grow in a sustainable way. As the development increases in size and more new homes are completed, Paul and the rest of our team will work closely with the developer partners and residents to create and nurture a development where the community can thrive.
