[6] The extension runs partly over the existing London, Tilbury and Southend line from Barking, operated over by c2c, and over 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) of new track laid to the new station.

[11] Following this, Transport for London assessed various options to bring transport links to Barking Riverside, including the previously proposed DLR extension, extension of the Hammersmith & City line to Grays, new segregated, high frequency bus services and a new station at Renwick Road.

[12] Following a decision to extend the Gospel Oak to Barking line to the area in 2014,[13] the proposed route was consulted on in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

[16][17] Following approval of the Transport and Works Order in August 2017,[16] construction on the extension by a joint venture of Morgan Sindall and VolkerFitzpatrick[18] began in late 2018.

As part of the future development of the area, the Barking Riverside town centre will be built adjacent to the station, with public space, shops, community facilities and a bus interchange.

[28][29] In August 2017, the Government granted permission for the extension, with a future provision for a stop at Renwick Road.

[16][17] The station is owned by Transport for London, however the railway infrastructure was handed over to Network Rail upon project completion.