Arada Seeks Approval for $3.27B London Project With 5,000 Homes

UAE developer Arada submits planning applications for Thameside West, a 47-acre London project with potential for at least 5,000 homes, including nearly 1,500 homes in its first phase.

UAE-based developer Arada has submitted planning applications for Thameside West, a major waterfront regeneration project in East London’s Royal Docks with a gross development value of AED12 billion. The 47-acre development has the potential to deliver at least 5,000 homes as part of a new mixed-use neighbourhood.

The latest applications, submitted to the London Borough of Newham, cover the first stage of the project and propose nearly 1,500 homes across six buildings. The first two buildings are planned as 100% social-rent housing, including three- and four-bedroom family homes. The proposals are intended to build on the site’s existing hybrid planning permission while incorporating an updated design approach.

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Thameside West is planned as a landscape-led development, with a new seven-acre public park forming a central element of the first phase. Around 1,000 trees are proposed across the site, alongside gardens, planted areas, play spaces and pedestrian routes. Ground-floor spaces facing the park are planned for amenities such as cafés and restaurants.

The wider masterplan includes approximately one kilometre of active waterfront and aims to improve connections between the River Thames and the Royal Docks. The site is located opposite the Greenwich Peninsula and Canary Wharf, with access to existing transport and cultural infrastructure in the surrounding area.

Arada is also working with Transport for London on plans for a new Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station. The developer intends for the station to be delivered alongside the development and to be operational around the time the first residents move in, subject to the necessary approvals and project progression.

The first stage follows Arada’s acquisition of an 80% stake in Thameside West in November 2025. The overall scheme has a development value of around £2.5 billion and existing consent for at least 5,000 homes, with 35% designated as affordable housing under the earlier planning framework.

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Arada has appointed Gensler as architect, Arup as built-environment consultant and Planit as landscape architect for the first stage. Construction of the initial phase is expected to progress subject to planning approval, with the company continuing to work with the Greater London Authority, Royal Docks Team and other public-sector partners.

The Thameside West project forms part of Arada’s broader expansion in London’s residential market. Its development strategy combines housing delivery with public spaces, transport infrastructure and community amenities as it builds its presence in the UK capital.