Arada Submits Planning Applications for AED12bn Thameside West Project in London

Arada has submitted a series of planning applications to the London Borough of Newham to advance Thameside West, a major regeneration project in East London’s Royal Docks with a gross development value of AED12 billion.

The plans cover the first phase of the 47-acre development and propose nearly 1,500 homes across six buildings, alongside a new waterfront park, public spaces and improved connections between the River Thames and the Royal Docks.

First buildings to deliver affordable housing

The first two buildings proposed under the new applications will provide 100% affordable housing, including three- and four-bedroom family homes for social rent.

The wider Thameside West masterplan has the potential to deliver at least 5,000 homes as part of a new mixed-use neighbourhood in East London.

The development will feature a network of streets, gardens, parks and shared spaces designed to improve movement through the site. Ground-floor spaces overlooking the park are planned for amenities including cafes and restaurants.

Seven-acre park planned for Thameside West

A new seven-acre public park will form the centrepiece of the first phase, supported by around 1,000 new trees and landscaped areas designed to improve biodiversity.

The park will include dedicated play areas, woodland adventure spaces, play trails and play-on-the-way areas. The plans also include around one kilometre of active waterfront and a riverside walk along Bell Lane.

A community design group comprising 20 local residents is working with Arada to help shape part of the park. Workshops are being held to gather local views and incorporate community needs into the design.

The landscaping will also reference the industrial heritage of Silvertown through ropework-inspired design details and pathways.

Development to connect Thames and Royal Docks

Arada said the project is designed to improve public access to the site and create a stronger connection between the Thames and the Royal Docks.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said Thameside West would create a new riverfront neighbourhood where homes, public spaces, wellness, culture and community are connected through the masterplan.

The company said the wider development represents one of London’s remaining large-scale riverfront regeneration opportunities, with more than 5,000 planned homes, over one kilometre of river frontage and more than six hectares of publicly accessible amenities.

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said the project would contribute new homes, including social-rent and family housing, while transforming a brownfield site in the Royal Docks.

New DLR station planned

Arada is also progressing design development with Transport for London (TfL) for a new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station intended to open alongside the arrival of the first Thameside West residents.

The DLR recorded 97.8 million passenger journeys in the year ended March 2025, highlighting the importance of the network to London's transport system.

Thameside West is located across the river from Greenwich Peninsula and Canary Wharf, with Royal Victoria Dock, City Hall, ExCeL and Silvertown nearby.

The project is being developed in partnership with the Greater London Authority’s Royal Docks Team, with the wider scheme intended to support housing delivery, public infrastructure and economic development in the area.

Global architecture firm Gensler, built-environment consultancy Arup and landscape architects Planit are advising on the development.