Regeneration news
Royal Docks Waterways advances plans for Floating Residential and Floating Wellness
Work is progressing on the Vision for Royal Victoria Dock West, with a consultant team appointed to develop proposals for Floating Residential and a preferred developer-operator soon to be selected for Floating Wellness.
Royal Docks Waterways has appointed a multidisciplinary team of consultants to lead a nine-month feasibility study into the Floating Residential element of the Vision for Royal Victoria Dock West. The study will explore design options, develop a business case and help determine how a first phase of floating homes and community infrastructure could be delivered.
The consortium is led by Haptic Architects and Gort Scott, with Stace and Oakridge responsible for the business case. The appointment, made in July, marks the next significant step in delivering what is set to become one of London's most ambitious waterfront transformations.
The Floating Residential project aims to create a new waterside community through residential moorings and floating homes, with communal infrastructure for both existing land-based and new water-based residents.
This is a genuinely unique commission, and we’re excited to be taking it forward with Royal Docks Waterways, the Royal Docks Team, and an exceptional group of consultants.
Scott Grady, Director of Haptic Architects
The project will include two rounds of public engagement, giving local residents and stakeholders opportunities to help shape the proposals. The first engagement programme will take place in October, with a second round planned for early 2027.
Meanwhile, Royal Docks Waterways is close to selecting a preferred developer-operator for the Floating Wellness project, which aims to create a year-round destination featuring wellness, leisure and water-based activities, alongside expanded opportunities for public access to the water.
Together with the proposed Floating Park, these projects form the Vision for Royal Victoria Dock West, a long-term plan to transform 12 hectares of water into one of London's most significant new public destinations. Building on feedback from nearly 400 local people gathered earlier this year, the Vision seeks to create a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood that supports wellbeing, biodiversity, culture and community life.
Further information: Royal Victoria Dock West | London's Largest Floating Community
Scott Derben, Managing Director of Royal Docks Waterways, said: "We were impressed by the way Haptic Architects, Gort Scott and the wider team approached this project. They are well placed to help us to understand whether and how to take forward a first phase of Floating Residential. And they’ve also identified how this project is a catalyst for the holistic improvement of all of Royal Victoria Dock West – carefully balancing public good with private investment to deliver London’s most welcoming, open and vibrant water-place. We’re looking forward to working with the team over the coming months to bring that thinking to life."
Scott Grady, Director of Haptic Architects, said: "This is a genuinely unique commission, and we’re excited to be taking it forward with Royal Docks Waterways, the Royal Docks Team, and an exceptional group of consultants. Royal Victoria Dock is a remarkable place with a long and layered history that we are building on. Our job is to bring new life to the water here thoughtfully, with proper care for the dock, its heritage, and its community, designing a place that enables more people to access and enjoy the benefits of being near London’s waterways."
