Regeneration news
A Garden of Community: A vibrant new mural for the Royal Docks
A major new public artwork celebrating community in the Royal Docks has been unveiled at the entrance to Thames Barrier Park.
Created by local artist Gaurab Thakali, who painted the mural over three weeks, A Garden of Community is a joyful landmark which draws inspiration from the people, nature and everyday moments that make the park such an important part of local life.
The mural was commissioned by the Royal Docks Team as part of its ongoing commitment to investing in public spaces, supporting local artists and creating places that celebrate the identity of the Royal Docks.
The project was more than a year in the making, with local people involved throughout the process. Funded through the Royal Docks Corridor project, the artwork forms part of wider improvements along North Woolwich Road, including new green spaces and improved public realm.
The commission began in January 2026, when artists with a connection to Thames Barrier Park were invited to submit proposals. A total of 58 submissions were received, with a shortlist of 12 reviewed by the Student Leadership group at Oasis Academy Silvertown. Their feedback helped inform the final selection by a panel made up of representatives from local businesses, residents from Riverscape, the Royal Docks Team, TfL and a local artist.
Artist Gaurab Thakali working with students from Oasis Academy
Gaurab's proposal was selected for its strong community focus, creative approach and personal connection to Thames Barrier Park.
As a North Woolwich resident, Gaurab has spent years walking, cycling and playing football in the park, while drawing inspiration from its landscape and community from his studio overlooking the river. Throughout spring and summer 2026, he worked with students from Oasis Academy and the University of East London, alongside local residents, through a series of monoprinting workshops exploring memories, experiences and observations of the park. These conversations and creative contributions helped shape the final artwork that reflects the character, community and spirit of Thames Barrier Park.
Thames Barrier Park - one of the Royal Docks' most treasured green spaces
With its striking hedge maze, landscaped gardens and views of the Thames Barrier, Thames Barrier Park is one of the Royal Docks' most treasured green spaces. Voted London's most underrated tourist attraction by The Times, the park has also retained its Green Flag Award for nine consecutive years, recognising it as a healthy, welcoming place with strong community connections.
Mural location: the mural is located on the stepped wall entrance on North Woolwich Road, between Pontoon Dock DLR and Barrier Point Road. The What3Words for the mural is ///forest.send.list.
Find out more: read about the artist behind the mural in Gaurab Thakali’s Meet the Dockers interview.
