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One is a sun-drenched cultural powerhouse, famed for its modernist architecture, medieval Gothic quarter and world-class football. The other is an east London suburb so run-down that the opening of a Morrisons Local store was likened to the arrival of Harrods.

They may only share the first three letters of their names, but Barcelona and Barking are now being spoken of as future equals on the European stage. In Barking, at least.

Local worthies of an area untouched by the genius of Sagrada Família designer Antoni Gaudí but proud of its parish church, St Mary’s, are convinced that its time is coming.

The catalyst for change, they believe, is the recent approval by the council of a new masterplan for one of Europe’s biggest regeneration schemes, at Barking Riverside.

Darren Rodwell, leader of Barking and Dagenham council, said: “Barcelona and other cities around the world have developed under-used wharves and harbours into vibrant waterfront attractions. I see no reason why Barking Riverside cannot draw on the best of these developments.”

The vision is for a new town, on 350 acres of brownfield land, of 26,000 people living in 10,800 homes, with a promenade, bars, restaurants, wildlife reserves and a marina with riverboat services to and from central London.

Mr Rodwell said: “It will be a perfect place for Londoners to cool off and hang out when it gets too hot in the city.”

Whether that is enough for Barking — one half of a borough recently voted the most miserable place to live in Britain by its own residents — to take its place alongside Barcelona will remain for future tourists to judge.

But there are already foundations to build on. Some of Britain’s best-known cultural exports are “made in Barking”, including Downton Abbey actress Michelle Dockery and armed forces sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn — as well as the “Bard of Barking” himself, singer Billy Bragg.

The town has also produced two England football captains, Bobby Moore and John Terry, although Barking FC has not yet graced the Champions League.

That may be an ambition too far for east London’s most upwardly mobile suburb. But if Mr Rodwell gets his way, Barca v Barka could be a fixture to dream of.