Arada Unveils First Phase of £2.5bn Thameside West, a 5,000-Home Regeneration on London's Longest Undeveloped Riverfront

London's Royal Docks has moved a step closer to one of its largest transformations. Arada, the Dubai-based master developer, has set out details of the first phase of Thameside West, a £2.5bn regeneration on what is described as central London's longest undeveloped stretch of riverfront. The announcement, made in late July 2026, confirms the professional team, the shape of the opening stage and a target to begin building in early 2028. ## A 47-acre riverside site with outline consent for 5,000 homes

The scheme occupies a 47-acre brownfield site in the Royal Docks. The 47-acre brownfield site occupies central London's longest undeveloped stretch of riverfront, with views across Canary Wharf and the Greenwich Peninsula. It sits opposite The O2 and next to City Hall, giving it a prominent position in east London's regeneration map.

The overall scale is substantial. Existing outline planning permission allows for at least 5,000 homes, including 35% affordable housing, alongside a kilometre of publicly accessible waterfront and green space covering around half the site. Arada acquired its stake in the scheme in late 2025, and the site was master-planned by Foster + Partners.

The existing planning permission allows for at least 5,000 new homes, including 35% affordable housing. Around half of the site will be dedicated to green and open spaces, alongside a kilometre-long active waterfront.

Royal Docks (Greater London Authority), 2026

What the first phase delivers

The opening stage focuses on getting homes and infrastructure into the ground early. The first stage of the project will comprise 1,500 homes across six buildings, as well as a significant new public park. The focus of this stage is the early delivery of much-needed homes and supporting infrastructure.

Arada has assembled a well-known design and engineering team for the opening phase. The developer has confirmed architect Gensler, engineer Arup and landscape designer Planit are leading the professional team on the opening phase of the 5,000-home waterfront scheme. The proposals have also been refreshed to meet current building safety and regulatory standards.

• • 1,500 homes across six buildings in the first stage
• • A significant new public park and improved transport links
• • A design refresh to meet the latest building safety requirements

Timeline and delivery partnership

The developer has set out a clear sequence for bringing the scheme forward. Arada said it expects to submit a planning application later this summer, with construction due to begin in early 2028, subject to planning approval.

Delivery is a public and private partnership. The developer acquired the site in November 2025 and is bringing it forward in partnership with the Greater London Authority through its land and property company, GLAP.

Part of a wider Royal Docks programme

Thameside West is one component of a much larger regeneration effort in east London. The scheme is being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority's property company GLAP and forms a key part of the wider Royal Docks regeneration programme, where more than 36,000 homes and 55,000 jobs are planned over the next 20 years.

For those tracking London's development pipeline, the scheme is notable both for its riverside location and its connectivity, with air, road, rail, river and tunnel links converging on the area. Arada has also confirmed a new Docklands Light Railway station will be delivered alongside the first stage.

Thameside West adds to a growing list of large brownfield regeneration schemes reshaping east London's riverfront, and its progress through planning this summer will be watched closely by anyone following the capital's residential pipeline. Silkwood will continue to track the scheme as it moves from consent towards its targeted 2028 start.

Sources

• • Construction Enquirer, '5000-home Royal Docks mega scheme set for 2028 start'
• • Estates Gazette, 'Arada unveils first phase of £2.5bn Thameside West regeneration'
• • Royal Docks (GLA), 'Arada accelerates plans for 5,000-home Thameside West scheme'
• • BDC Magazine, '£2.5bn Royal Docks Regeneration Moves Closer as 5,000-Home Waterfront Scheme Targets 2028 Start'