The new façade, designed to showcase the station’s inner workings and provide panoramic views across the Thames, was constructed over three months, using 87 6.6m high glass panels, The station’s new LED illuminated stainless steel name sign was completed on Friday 14 May; together, these features mark the arrival of the new station to the wider Barking Riverside development and its community.

The new station has step-free access from street to train, and the intention is that it will be possible to reach Barking in just six minutes, helping create and estimated 40,000 more jobs for residents and businesses in the area.

As part of the project, the joint venture is also adding 4.5km to the London Overground Gospel Oak to Barking line and constructing a 1.5km viaduct over Renwick Road and into the heart of Barking Riverside.

Work on the viaduct began in June 2020, and culminated with the final (ninth) span being installed over Easter Bank holiday weekend, along with two 33m long main plate girders, weighing 96 tonnes each, and 22 cross beams.

Commenting, Steve Balliston, project director, said: “The completion of these elements marks another major milestone for the project and highlights the tremendous efforts made by this joint venture and its supply chain, since works began over two years ago.”

The MSVF joint venture is now focused on continuing works within the station, including the curtain wall, along with the completion of the viaduct and the 4.5km extension, which includes track slab installation and the rail systems fit out.

Once complete and opened in 2022, the Barking Riverside extension will be capable of operating four trains per hour from Barking station along the existing Tilbury line.