UAE developer Arada has unveiled the first-phase plans for its 1,500-home Thameside West urban regeneration masterplan at London’s Royal Docks, with a £2.5bn gross development value.
CGI of Arada’s Thameside West masterplan
The first phase of the scheme, which will face The O2 across the river, will comprise six buildings as well as a new public park. A planning application for this stage is expected to be submitted over the summer.
Arada has selected global architecture firm Gensler, global built environment consultancy Arup and landscape architect Planit to progress the first stage.
Arada agreed to acquire an 80% stake in the 47-acre Thameside West scheme from Keystone in November 2025.
Foster + Partners’ designs for the wider masterplan dedicate almost half the site to green space alongside 1km of waterfront. Of the 5,000 new homes, around 35% will be affordable.
Arada group chief executive Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said: “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.
“Large-scale developments such as Thameside West require a huge amount of collaboration, ensuring that new housing is delivered alongside amenities and public infrastructure.
“We have worked closely with the Greater London Authority, GLAP [the new commercial property and land subsidiary of the Greater London Authority] 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.”
Tom Copley, London’s deputy mayor for housing, added: “I am delighted that Arada is moving ahead with the first stage of redeveloping Thameside West, one of the key sites within the Royal Docks.
“Working together we will be able to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, as we continue to return this part of the capital to its former glory and create a better, fairer, greener London for everyone.”
Work is expected to start on site in 2028, subject to the scheme gaining planning approval.
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