Property development company Arada has announced details for the initial phase of Thameside West, a large-scale development in East London’s Royal Docks, UK, with plans for 1,500 homes and a significant public park.
The project is valued at £2.5bn ($3.34bn) and forms part of what is described as one of the capital’s largest regeneration schemes.
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Thameside West occupies a 47-acre site adjacent to City Hall and opposite the O2 arena.
The full development is planned to provide at least 5,000 new homes, with 35% allocated as affordable housing.
According to existing planning permission, the site will also feature half its area devoted to green and open space and a riverside stretch of 1km.
Arada’s announcement includes the appointment of architecture firm Gensler, landscape architects Planit and engineering consultancy Arup for the first stage of the scheme.
The proposals for this phase have incorporated recent updates to meet current building safety and regulatory standards.
A planning application for the first stage is expected this summer, with construction scheduled to start in early 2028, subject to approval.
Construction of the first phase will be managed in-house by Arada London. The company stated that the focus is on an early delivery of homes and essential infrastructure to help address housing demand in the capital.
A new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station is also planned as part of the development, with Arada working alongside Transport for London. The aim is for the station to be operational in time for the first residents’ arrival.
The project is delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) via its land and property arm GLAP, reflecting public and private sector cooperation in the Royal Docks regeneration area.
Arada group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said: “Following our investment in Thameside West in November 2025, we outlined our ambition to unlock this extensive riverside development to help alleviate the huge pressure on housing in the capital.
“Today’s announcement of our plans for the first stage alongside the appointment of Gensler, Arup and Planit, are major steps forward in our vision.
“We have worked closely with the Greater London Authority, GLAP and the Royal Docks team to bring forward plans for Thameside West, and our shared vision for the future of the Royal Docks will remain central to the successful delivery of the project.”
The Thameside West scheme forms part of the wider ambitions for the Royal Docks, identified as one of Europe’s largest regeneration areas and involving close collaboration between government, developers and local stakeholders.
In April, Arada announced Jenna, a residential project located within the Aljada community in Sharjah, UAE.
