Redrow Regeneration is in talks to join fellow developer Urban Catalyst on a £60m public–private regeneration scheme in Barking, east London.

The scheme, which centres around a flagship library, has been delayed for three months because of a contractual dispute between Urban Catalyst and contractor Wates.

Details of Redrow’s potential role had not been confirmed as Building went to press, but it is understood that Ken Dytor, Urban Catalyst’s chief executive, had been looking for another equity partner in the scheme.

It is understood that work started on site in September, before the contract was finalised, because of deadlines laid down by the ODPM, which is part-funding the scheme.

The Lifelong Learning Centre, designed by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, had been anticipated to open as part of the Barking town square project at the start of next year. It is funded by the ODPM, the University of East London, Barking College and Barking and Dagenham council.

The scheme will also have about 200 flats, which had been planned for hand over in 2007.

Neither Dytor nor John Ireland, Redrow Regeneration’s chief executive, would comment on the negotiations. Paul Drechsler, Wates chief executive, said the dispute “had been sorted out”.