International property developer Arada has appointed Gensler, Arup, and Planit to the first phase of its £2.5bn Thameside West scheme in East London.
The initial phase will comprise 1,500 homes in six buildings and a new public park. Arada expects to submit a planning application this summer, with work on the site expected to begin by early 2028, subject to approval.
Thameside West plans include 5,000 homes
The 47-acre site is in the Royal Docks, opposite The O2 and next to City Hall. It has a 1km frontage on what Arada describes as London’s longest undeveloped stretch of riverfront.
Arada agreed to acquire an 80% stake in Thameside West in November 2025. The site’s masterplan was consented in 2021, but the newly announced first stage differs from earlier proposals, which included a detailed 460-home phase designed by John McAslan + Partners and an outline masterplan by Foster + Partners.
Existing planning permission provides for at least 5,000 homes, including 35% affordable housing. Green space is planned across half of the site.
Arada is developing Thameside West in partnership with the Greater London Authority through its land and property company, GLAP. The developer invested in the project in November 2025.
The design of the first phase has since been revised to meet current building safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Gensler, Arup, and Planit join first-phase team
Gensler, a global architecture firm, will work on the first-phase proposals. Arup, a built environment consultancy, and Planit, a landscape architecture practice, have joined the same professional team.
Planit will design the public park planned alongside the first six residential buildings. Its chief executive, Pete Swift, said the practice would work with Arada, GLAP, and communities in Newham on the waterfront space.
Construction of the first phase will be handled in-house by Arada London. Arada said its operations cover planning, construction, marketing, and asset management.
Proposed DLR station would serve Thameside West
Arada is working with Transport for London on a new Docklands Light Railway station for Thameside West. The developer intends the station to open in time for the arrival of the first residents.
Arup will support the station’s design and delivery. No details were provided about its approval status, funding, or construction schedule.
The DLR recorded 97.8 million passenger journeys in the year to March 2025.
Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development Tom Copley welcomed Arada’s move to proceed with the first stage. Newham Mayor Forhad Hussain said regeneration should provide affordable housing, jobs, investment, and improved infrastructure for local communities.
