Arada Advances With London's AED 12 Billion Thameside West Development
UAE developer Arada is requesting approval for a $3.27 billion London project that will include at least 5,000 residences.
UAE developer Arada is taking the next step in its plans to transform a large section of East London’s Royal Docks, after submitting planning applications for the first stage of its AED 12 billion ($3.27 billion) Thameside West development.
The proposed scheme covers more than 47 acres and could eventually include at least 5,000 homes, alongside public spaces, waterfront areas and facilities intended to create a new mixed-use neighbourhood.
The latest applications have been submitted to the London Borough of Newham and focus on the first part of the wider development.
The inaugural stage consists of about 1,500 dwellings.
The first stage is expected to bring close to 1,500 homes across six buildings.
Arada’s latest plans include a significant affordable-housing component. The first two buildings are proposed to be entirely social-rent homes, with three- and four-bedroom properties included to meet the needs of families.
Rather than treating the buildings as separate blocks, the proposed layout is designed around streets, gardens, parks and shared areas. The plans also include spaces at ground level that could accommodate cafes, restaurants and other amenities serving residents and visitors.
A new green space would sit at the centre of the scheme
Green space is a major part of the proposed design.
Arada plans to create a seven-acre public park, supported by around 1,000 new trees and additional landscaped areas. Smaller gardens and planted sections would be incorporated throughout the neighbourhood, while dedicated play areas are also planned for children.
The development would further open up access to the waterfront, with proposals for approximately one kilometre of active waterfront and a riverside walking route along Bell Lane.
Local participation is also being incorporated into the design process. A group of 20 residents is working with Arada through workshops intended to provide input into part of the proposed park.
The waterfront setting is central to the development
Thameside West occupies a strategically located section of East London, across the river from Greenwich Peninsula and Canary Wharf.
Its surroundings include Royal Victoria Dock, ExCeL London, City Hall and Silvertown, placing the proposed neighbourhood close to several established business, cultural, transport and regeneration destinations.
Arada's plans seek to make greater use of the site's riverside position while improving connections between the Thames and the Royal Docks.
Transport plans include a proposed new DLR station
Improved transport is another element being considered as part of the project.
Arada is working with Transport for London on the development of a proposed Docklands Light Railway station that is intended to serve Thameside West and the surrounding area.
The company has said it intends for the station to be delivered in time for the arrival of the first residents. However, it remains a proposed piece of infrastructure and should not be treated as an operational station at this stage.
The wider development is being advanced in partnership with the Greater London Authority’s Royal Docks Team.
Arada is building a wider international development portfolio
Thameside West adds another major international project to Arada’s growing development portfolio.
The UAE-based company is working with a number of specialist firms on the London scheme, including architecture practice Gensler, engineering and built-environment consultancy Arup and landscape architects Planit.
The project is intended to be delivered over multiple stages, meaning the first planning applications represent an important step in a development that is expected to evolve over several years.
Planning approval remains the next key step
Although the latest submission moves the project forward, the proposed development remains subject to the relevant planning process.
The current applications relate to the first stage of Thameside West and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the entire 5,000-home development has already been approved or completed.
If the proposals receive the required approvals, the project would introduce a substantial number of new homes alongside a large public park, landscaped areas, waterfront access and planned transport improvements in the Royal Docks.
For Arada, the development represents a significant expansion of its presence in the UK property market and a long-term attempt to create a new residential and mixed-use district on one of East London’s major regeneration sites.
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