The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced a bold plan to revitalize the Royal Docks, aiming to recapture its former glory and transform it into a vibrant hub for residential, commercial,
and industrial development. With over £2 billion in public and private sector investment planned, the project seeks to create a thriving community while generating thousands of new jobs.
The Royal Docks, once a bustling center of global trade, fell into decline in the 20th century. However, with seven significant developments underway across 175 hectares of public land, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects, the area is poised for a remarkable transformation.
Over the past five years, the Mayor has worked closely with Newham Council to kickstart the regeneration process. Significant progress has already been made, with over 9,000 new homes built or under construction and approximately 2,620 new jobs created. The flagship Silvertown redevelopment, which will provide much-needed housing at social rent levels, is also underway.
As part of the new five-year plan, several key initiatives have been outlined:
- More than £2 billion of investment over the next five years, including £64 million from the Mayor, to accelerate development projects.
- Accelerated delivery of key sites such as Silvertown, Royal Albert Dock, and Albert Island to unlock thousands of new homes and job opportunities.
- Completion of the Royal Docks Corridor, a major highways improvement project, to create a vibrant new high street.
- Creation of 100,000 square meters of new commercial workspace, supporting a mix of businesses and creating 3,500 new jobs.
- Construction of the Silvertown Bridge, connecting Thameside communities to the new Elizabeth Line station at Custom House.
- Major transport upgrades, including the completion of the Silvertown Tunnel and improvements to the DLR network.
- Investment in local cultural and community projects to support creative businesses and nurture local talent.
The Mayor emphasized the importance of unlocking the full potential of the Royal Docks, creating a new economic powerhouse for London. He also announced plans to find a new development partner for the regeneration of Royal Albert Dock, further bolstering the area's growth and prosperity. Photo by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UK, Wikimedia commons.