Arada has appointed the professional team to deliver the first phase of its Thameside West development in East London.
The company has selected global architecture firm Gensler, global built environment consultancy Arup and landscape architects Planit to progress the first stage, which will comprise 1,500 homes across six buildings.
Arada is expected to submit a planning application for the first stage of the project over the summer with work on site expected to begin by early 2028, subject to approval. Construction of the first phase will be undertaken in-house by Arada London.
Spanning more than 47 acres in London’s Royal Docks and with a GDV of £2.5bn, the Thameside West scheme is being brought forward in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA), through its land and property company GLAP.
The site has the potential to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, with green spaces on half of the site and a kilometre of active waterfront.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group CEO of Arada, 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. 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 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. We remain committed to working with our partners to ensure that this first phase and future phases are designed to meet modern living requirements over this multi-year project.”
Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, 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.”
Mayor of Newham, Forhad Hussain, said: “Thameside West is one of the most exciting regeneration opportunities in Newham and I welcome this important milestone providing much-needed homes, stunning new green spaces and better transport for our borough. As Newham continues to grow, it is vital that regeneration delivers real benefits for local people through affordable housing, jobs, investment and better infrastructure. I look forward to working with Arada and partners to support Thameside West to become a thriving new neighbourhood that creates opportunities for Newham communities now and for generations to come.”
Duncan Swinhoe, managing principal at Gensler, added: “Thameside West represents a once in a generation opportunity to reshape a significant stretch of London’s riverfront, and we’re proud to help bring this first phase to life. We’re excited to be working with Arada and GLAP. We’re committed to creating a resilient, people centred neighbourhood that sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban living in the capital.”
Gareth Fairweather, director at Arup, said: “Thameside West is an exceptional opportunity to shape a distinctive, resilient waterfront community that creates lasting value for residents and the wider Royal Docks. Arup is pleased to support the design and delivery of a new DLR station and help embed sustainable, accessible transport at the heart of the development. Guided by our commitment to sustainable development and to creating places that improve people’s lives, we look forward to working with Arada and the wider project team to help realise this ambition with imagination, rigour and care.”
Pete Swift, CEO of Planit, added: “A park is arguably the ultimate display of the landscape architect’s art and civic duty. In Thameside West, Arada and their partners have placed their faith in us to design and deliver London’s next great waterfront park, following on from centuries of tradition, but mainly, away from the Thames. Not since Thames Barrier Park opening in 2000 has East London had a significant public green space on its banks. We do not take this responsibility lightly and look forward to working with Arada, GLAP and the communities of Newham to create a place for nature and people with views across our capital city.”
