Regeneration news
Royal Albert Wharf: A Beacon of Housing-Led Regeneration
The Royal Docks Team is proud to see one of its flagship developments, Royal Albert Wharf, prominently showcased in Homes for Londoners: A new agenda for public housing, launched by New London Architecture at The London Centre on 23 October.
Royal Albert Wharf is celebrated in the publication as an inspirational example of a successful new neighbourhood, delivering affordable, contemporary homes with stunning waterside views, excellent transport links, and a thriving creative community. It features as a leading model of housing-led regeneration, showcasing how high-quality, inclusive development can be achieved on public land.
Delivered in partnership with Notting Hill Genesis, Telford Homes and Countryside Partnerships, the scheme has brought forward 1,856 homes, 45% of which are genuinely affordable, alongside commercial space, affordable artist studios, and vibrant public amenities.
Royal Albert Wharf is highlighted as an example of best practice across several key themes in the publication, including shared spaces and social infrastructure, long-term stewardship, and innovative investment models.
The scheme is celebrated for its integration of 9,000sqm of commercial space, cafés, restaurants, a nursery, and affordable artist studios managed by Bow Arts Trust, all of which contribute to a lively and creative community. Cultural programming, led by Bow Arts, established artist-led groups, such as Art in the Docks, has played a key role in shaping the identity of Royal Albert Wharf, helping to embed a strong sense of place. This approach is captured in a post-occupation Impact Study, offering valuable insights into how artist engagement and active resident participation can enrich housing-led regeneration.
We’re proud to see Royal Albert Wharf recognised in NLA’s Homes for Londoners publication. It reflects the Royal Docks Team’s ambition to deliver high-quality, affordable homes while creating places that are rooted in community and creativity. It is recognition of the collaborative work that’s gone into making Royal Albert Wharf a vibrant, sustainable neighbourhood – and a blueprint for what public land development in London can achieve.
Dan Bridge, Programme Director, Royal Docks Team
The scheme’s phased delivery, spanning a decade, reflects patient investment and design continuity, with Maccreanor Lavington acting as both masterplanner and design guardian. Their award-winning architecture has earned national recognition, reinforcing Royal Albert Wharf as a benchmark for regeneration on public land.
As the final phase nears completion in late 2025, Royal Albert Wharf continues to demonstrate the power of thoughtful partnerships, creative vision, and long-term commitment to quality.
Homes for Londoners: A new agenda for public housing forms part of NLA’s wider research programme exploring the future of housing delivery and investment across the capital. It brings together leading insight and best practice to address one of the capital’s most pressing challenges, the delivery of more public housing. Developed in collaboration with experts from across the public, private and investment sectors, the report sets out a bold new model for public housing in London.
