London’s Royal Docks is set for a £2 billion regeneration, announced by Mayor Sadiq Khan, aiming to breathe new life into the historic area. The ambitious plan seeks a fresh development partner for the Royal Albert Dock, following a previous initiative that failed to draw Asian businesses, leaving the site with vacant office blocks.

Khan’s vision for the docks includes the creation of 36,000 new homes and the generation of 55,000 jobs, signaling a major transformation for an area that has seen decline since the 1960s and 1970s. With the relocation of City Hall to the docks in 2022, there’s a renewed focus on reviving this once vital hub of global trade.

Key elements of the five-year strategy involve the construction of a new cycling and pedestrian bridge over the Royal Victoria Dock, enhancing connectivity with the Elizabeth line station at Custom House. Plans also include the development of a vibrant new high street along Silvertown Way and significant road infrastructure improvements, coinciding with the opening of the Silvertown tunnel next summer.

An additional investment of £64 million has been pledged by Khan, supplementing the already committed £44 million to the docks’ rejuvenation. This investment underscores the commitment to transforming the Royal Docks into a dynamic economic zone within the capital.

Past efforts by Khan have already set the stage for regeneration, including the announcement of 1,500 new homes at Millennium Mills, with a commitment to affordability. Collaborations with Newham Council have been crucial in driving forward the regeneration agenda over the past five years.

Rokhsana Fiaz, Mayor of Newham, expressed optimism about unlocking the docks’ potential as a thriving part of London. This announcement follows the 2022 termination of a deal with a Chinese firm by City Hall due to non-fulfilment of contractual obligations related to the Royal Albert Dock’s redevelopment.

The regeneration project encompasses seven key developments on land owned by City Hall, including the Royal Albert Dock, Silvertown, Albert Island, and others, marking a significant step towards revitalizing the Royal Docks as a beacon of opportunity, investment, and innovation in London.