Developer Arada has submitted planning applications for the first phase of Thameside West in London’s Royal Docks, comprising nearly 1,500 homes.
The applications have been lodged with the London Borough of Newham. They build on the site’s existing hybrid planning permission.
The first phase covers six buildings. The first two would be 100% social rent and include three- and four-bedroom family homes.
Thameside West spans more than 47 acres and has a gross development value of £2.5bn. The scheme has the potential to deliver at least 5,000 homes.
The plans centre on a seven-acre park with around 1,000 new trees, along with a kilometre of waterfront and a riverside walk along Bell Lane, which marks the site’s south-east border. Ground-floor units facing the park would provide space for cafes and restaurants.
A community design group of 20 local residents is working with Arada on a section of the park. Workshops are under way.
Arada said the design would reflect Silvertown’s industrial heritage through ropework-inspired detailing and paths.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group chied executive of Arada, said: “This is one of London’s most significant remaining riverfront regeneration opportunities – more than 5,000 homes, over one kilometre of river frontage and over six hectares of publicly accessible amenity. We have the ambition to create more than a new residential district. Thameside West is planned as a neighbourhood within the city, not an enclave at its edge: a new piece of East London where the quality of everyday London life comes first.”
Tom Copley, deputy mayor for housing and residential development, said: “Tackling London’s housing crisis is the Mayor’s top priority and Thameside West will help deliver the new homes Londoners deserve, including much needed social rent and family housing.”
Arada is progressing design development with Transport for London on a new DLR station, which is intended to open in time for the arrival of the site’s first residents.
The scheme is being brought forward in partnership with the Greater London Authority’s Royal Docks team. Gensler, Arup, and Planit are advising on the project.
Read next: Geopolitical instability spurs innovation, survey finds
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
