Gensler, Arup and Planit join the first phase of London’s Thameside West as the developer confirms a new DLR station to serve the waterfront district
Developer Arada has appointed Gensler, Arup and Planit to its professional team for the first phase of the £2.5bn Thameside West development in London’s Royal Docks.
The 47-acre site, opposite The O2 and next to City Hall, has permission for at least 5,000 homes, including 35% affordable housing, with green space across half the site and a kilometre of active waterfront. The first stage will deliver 1,500 homes across six buildings alongside a new public park.
Gensler will act as architect, Arup as built environment consultant and Planit as landscape architect. The proposals have undergone what Arada described as a comprehensive design refresh to meet updated building safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Arada is expected to submit a planning application for the first stage this summer, with work on site targeted for early 2028, subject to approval. Construction will be delivered in-house by Arada London under the company’s vertically integrated model, covering planning, construction, marketing and asset management.
New DLR station
Arada is working with Transport for London on a new DLR station intended to open in time for the first residents’ arrival. The DLR recorded 97.8m passenger journeys in the year to March 2025, according to Department for Transport figures.
Thameside West is being brought forward with the Greater London Authority through its land and property company, GLAP.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group chief executive 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. [This] 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.”
Duncan Swinhoe, managing principal at Gensler, said: “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.”
Exceptional opportunity
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, chief executive of Planit, said: “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.”
Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, said: “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 per cent 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.”
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