In a recent exclusive interview, UKREiiF sat down with Dan Bridge, the Programme Director of the Royal Docks team, to discuss the ongoing regeneration of the Royal Docks in East London and its broader implications for the community.

UKREiiF: Dan, thank you for joining us today. Could you start by introducing yourself and explaining your role?

Dan Bridge: Certainly. I’m Dan Bridge, the Programme Director of the Royal Docks team. Our initiative is a joint effort between the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham. Our primary goal is to oversee and deliver the regeneration of the Royal Docks in East London.

UKREiiF: Your role seems to bridge both the public and private sectors. Could you elaborate on that?

Dan Bridge: Indeed.  Our operations involve close partnerships and contractual arrangements with various private sector businesses and developers. Together, we deliver a diverse range projects and developments within the Royal Docks

UKREiiF: Given the scale of your operations, what economic impact have you observed on the local area?

Dan Bridge: The Royal Docks has historically been a significant employment generator for the London Borough of Newham. Now, as we enter a new phase of development, we’re witnessing the rise of both large employers, like Excel Exhibition Centre and London City Airport, and smaller organisations that are setting up in the newly developed spaces. Our focus is on improving economic outcomes in what remains a relatively deprived part of London.

UKREiiF: That’s commendable. Can you share any specific initiatives or projects that have had a direct positive impact on the community?

Dan Bridge: One of our proudest achievements is being awarded the London Living Wage Place status. We’ve collaborated with major employers to ensure they adopt the London Living Wage, making us the first designated place in the country for this initiative. This approach has significantly impacted thousands of workers in the Docks and Newham, addressing the issue of in-work poverty.

UKREiiF: Have you collaborated with other agencies to achieve these goals?

Dan Bridge: Absolutely. We’ve worked closely with Citizens UK, who led the London Living Wage initiative. They’ve been instrumental in brokering partnerships with local employers, MPs, and other stakeholders. Additionally, we’ve launched an internship programme, partnering with local employers to hire local residents, further contributing to the community’s economic upliftment.

UKREiiF: On a national scale, have you drawn inspiration from other projects, or has the Royal Docks approach been adopted elsewhere?

Dan Bridge: The Royal Docks project is unique due to its scale. We’re aiming to create around 35,000 jobs by the mid-2030s. However, we’ve certainly looked at successful models from other regions, such as Lendlease’s Elephant Park project, to inform our strategies. Our London Living Wage Place initiative has also garnered attention, inspiring other regions to consider similar approaches.

UKREiiF: In conclusion, do you see this community-focused approach becoming a standard for future developments?

Dan Bridge: Absolutely. Social value is paramount for creating cohesive communities. While it’s often seen as a moral imperative, many businesses are recognising its commercial benefits, from attracting quality employees to fostering a positive brand image. In the Royal Docks, with a mix of public land and diverse communities, it’s essential that developments are executed in a manner that benefits and engages the local community.

UKREiiF: Thank you, Daniel, for sharing these insights. It’s been enlightening to learn about the transformative work happening in the Royal Docks (for more information got to www.royaldocks.london)