Arada advances Thameside West mixed use scheme

Arada has taken a significant step forward with plans for Thameside West, one of London's largest regeneration schemes, confirming the professional team for the first phase of the £12 billion waterfront development and outlining plans to begin construction in 2028.

The developer has appointed architecture practice Gensler, engineering consultancy Arup and landscape architect Planit to lead the first stage of the project, which will deliver 1,500 homes alongside a new public park on the 47-acre site in the Royal Docks.

The appointments mark the transition of Thameside West from strategic planning towards delivery, with a planning application for the first phase expected later this summer. Subject to approval, construction is scheduled to begin in early 2028.

Located opposite The O2 and adjacent to City Hall, Thameside West is one of the capital's most significant brownfield regeneration opportunities. The wider masterplan has planning consent for at least 5,000 homes, 35% of which will be affordable, together with extensive public open space, retail and community facilities along a kilometre of Thames waterfront.

The scheme forms part of the long-term regeneration of the Royal Docks, one of Europe's largest redevelopment areas, and is being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority through its land and property company, GLAP.

Alongside new housing, Arada confirmed that a proposed Docklands Light Railway station remains central to the project, with the developer working alongside Transport for London to deliver the new transport hub in time for the arrival of the first residents. The station is intended to improve connectivity across the eastern Royal Docks while supporting future phases of development.

The first phase has also undergone a redesign to ensure compliance with updated building safety regulations introduced since planning permission for the wider site was originally secured.

Construction will be undertaken by Arada London using the company's vertically integrated delivery model, covering planning, construction, sales and long-term asset management.

The latest announcement highlights the growing momentum behind large-scale regeneration across East London, where major public and private sector investment continues to unlock former industrial land for housing-led mixed-use development. While many regeneration schemes have faced delays in recent years because of viability pressures and rising construction costs, developers continue to prioritise strategically important sites capable of delivering homes alongside significant transport and public realm improvements.

The emphasis on infrastructure reflects a wider shift in how major urban extensions are being delivered. Rather than housing alone, projects are increasingly being brought forward with transport, green space and community facilities forming part of the initial phases to establish sustainable neighbourhoods from the outset.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said the appointments represented a major milestone in delivering the company's vision for the site, adding that collaboration with the Greater London Authority and other public sector partners would remain central to the project's long-term success.

Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley described Thameside West as one of the Royal Docks' key regeneration sites, while Newham Mayor Forhad Hussain said the development would provide much-needed housing alongside new infrastructure, employment opportunities and public open space.

For London's development market, Thameside West represents another indication that confidence is returning to large, strategically significant regeneration projects. Although delivery timelines remain long, schemes backed by substantial public-private partnerships and supported by major infrastructure investment continue to attract development activity, reinforcing the Royal Docks' position as one of the capital's most important growth areas.