A joint venture between London & Quadrant Housing Trust and George Wimpey East London has received planning permission to build a new community of housing in Barking.

The former University of East London, Longbridge Road campus will be transformed into a development of three and four-bedroom family homes and one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with land reserved to build a primary school for the growing area.

As part of the construction plans, the landmark listed main university building at the front of the site, which dates back to 1936, will be retained and converted into just over 100 apartments.

Apartment buildings will range between five and ten storeys, affording fantastic views across the Mayesbrook Park and the local area.

When complete, the Academy Central development will comprise a total of 1,042 homes, including 356 affordable homes from L&Q.

David Montague, L&Q Group Chief Executive, said: "The University of East London site is one of many projects L&Q has planned over the next 10 years.

"We look forward to becoming a major part of the Governments plans to deliver affordable housing as our financial strength and experience allows us to get involved in large scale delivery.

"This site provides a great number of affordable homes for Barking - 365 in total - continuing our mission to create places where people want to live."