Regeneration news
Developer sought for landmark Royal Docks regeneration opportunity
Mayor of London launches procurement for Royal Albert Dock transformation
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today launched the first stage in a formal search for a master developer to lead the transformation of Royal Albert Dock – one of East London’s most significant regeneration opportunities.
Royal Albert Dock is a 12-hectare site in the heart of the Royal Docks in Newham - the Mayor of London’s largest regeneration project. With views towards Canary Wharf, it offers 400,000 sqm of development potential for a new waterside neighbourhood including a wide range of homes, jobs, education, leisure and economic opportunity, with an anticipated GDV of around £3 billion.
Following a period of market engagement, refinement of the original brief to respond to changing market conditions and testing of the procurement strategy to retain focus on deliverability, the formal selection process has now been launched.
The Mayor is seeking a forward-thinking partner to shape and deliver a mixed-use, innovative place. Proposals will capitalise on the site’s dockside setting, rich context of green and blue space, and outstanding road, rail and air transport links. The site benefits from its strategic location next to successful neighbours – notably Excel London, the University of East London and London City Airport – and is underpinned by a strong history of heritage, industry and innovation.
Royal Albert Dock has the potential to be truly transformational for the Royal Docks and London
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan
The master developer will build on these foundations — creating a place-led masterplan for a new and enduring piece of city. It will lead on delivery, securing planning, funding and enabling infrastructure, as well as managing direct and partner-led development. Flexibility is central to the process, allowing plans to evolve as market conditions change while still making a lasting social, economic and environmental impact.
Its team will work closely with the Mayor’s Office and Newham to establish a shared vision and delivery strategy for the site. The new development will sit alongside the buildings completed in 2019, acquired by DPK in 2023, who are delivering a new university campus and student accommodation.
The procurement is being led by the Royal Docks Team (a joint initiative from the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham) on behalf of GLA Land and Property (GLAP) as freeholder. Montagu Evans is advising the Royal Docks Team on the procurement.
More details on the opportunity can be found here.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Royal Albert Dock has the potential to be truly transformational for the Royal Docks and London.
“As well as new homes and community Royal Albert Dock will support a thriving new hub of entrepreneurship and innovation, playing a major role in the capital’s continuing economic success and growth eastwards.
“Working with Newham Council I am determined to bring the site back into use as part of my work to build a better, more prosperous London for all.”
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “Newham’s Royal Docks has been reimagined to play a pivotal role in London’s growth as a dynamic global city. Through the diversity of our people, who have connections across the world, we are a hotbed of investment, innovation and opportunity. That’s why our plans for Royal Albert Dock are bold and exciting. The site will deliver a vibrant new neighbourhood, delivering the homes and jobs our residents need. As well as new homes people can afford, we’ll be opening up a broad array of jobs and opportunities reflecting the way we now need to live and work to secure a sustainable, inclusive and fairer Newham for present and future generations. Working with the Mayor of London and the GLA, we are setting a new standard in our vision for the Royal Docks as we turbocharge our ambitious plans with purpose and with local people.”
