Arada advances AED12bn Thameside West project with first phase of 1,500 homes

Real Estate

Arada advances AED12bn Thameside West project with first phase of 1,500 homes

International master developer Arada has unveiled the first phase of its AED12 billion Thameside West project in East London, marking a major milestone in one of the UK's largest waterfront regeneration developments. The company has appointed Gensler, Arup, and Planit to lead the design and planning of the initial stage, which will deliver 1,500 homes, a new public park, and supporting infrastructure.

Located across 47 acres in London's Royal Docks, Thameside West is planned to deliver at least 5,000 homes, including 35% affordable housing, under its existing planning permission. The mixed-use development will also feature green spaces covering half of the site and a one-kilometre active waterfront, contributing to the long-term transformation of one of Europe's largest regeneration districts.

Arada confirmed that the first phase will include six residential buildings and a significant public park, with proposals updated to meet the latest building safety standards and regulatory requirements. The developer expects to submit a planning application during the summer, with construction targeted to begin in early 2028, subject to approvals.

A key feature of the project will be the delivery of a new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station, which Arada is developing in collaboration with Transport for London (TfL). The station is expected to open before the first residents move into the community, improving connectivity across the Royal Docks. According to the UK Department for Transport, the DLR recorded 97.8 million passenger journeys in the year ending March 2025.

The development is being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA) and its land and property company GLAP, reflecting a shared commitment to creating new housing, public infrastructure and economic growth across East London.

Construction of the first phase will be undertaken by Arada London, leveraging the company's vertically integrated model that covers planning, construction, marketing and asset management.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said the latest appointments represent a significant step in unlocking the riverside development to help address London's housing demand. He added that close collaboration with the GLA, GLAP and Royal Docks partners would remain central to delivering a modern, sustainable neighbourhood.

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, welcomed the progress, describing Thameside West as one of the Royal Docks' most important regeneration projects that will deliver thousands of new homes, including affordable housing, while supporting London's long-term growth.

Forhad Hussain, Mayor of Newham, said the development would provide much-needed housing, green spaces, transport improvements and investment, creating long-term opportunities for local communities.

The appointed design partners also highlighted the project's significance. Gensler described Thameside West as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a resilient waterfront neighbourhood, while Arup emphasised the importance of integrating sustainable transport through the new DLR station. Planit said it aims to create one of East London's most significant new riverside parks, designed for both nature and the local community.

Thameside West represents Arada's first major residential development in London since acquiring the site in November 2025, reinforcing the developer's international expansion strategy while supporting the regeneration of the Royal Docks into a thriving residential and commercial destination.