Arada Sparks London Revival with 5,000 Home Thameside West Project

Arada, the UAE's fastest-growing master developer, has secured an 80% stake in Thameside West, a landmark mixed-use riverside district positioned at the western gateway of London's Royal Docks. Master-planned by Foster + Partners, this transformative development will bring at least 5,000 new homes to the capital, with half the site dedicated to parkland, nature, and an activated kilometre-long waterfront.

Set across 47 acres, making it twice the size of New York's Hudson Yards, Thameside West is one of Europe's most significant regeneration opportunities. With a Gross Development Value of AED 12 billion (£2.5 billion), it occupies central London's longest remaining undeveloped riverfront, offering panoramic views of Canary Wharf and the Greenwich Peninsula. The project has already secured planning approval, and work on the first 1,000 homes is expected to begin in 2027.

This acquisition from Keystone marks Arada's second major move in London's residential market within two months, following its purchase of UK developer Regal in September. Arada will now collaborate closely with the London Borough of Newham, the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, and GLAP, another key landowner, to unlock the full potential of this former industrial site and shape it into a dynamic new neighbourhood after their successful launch of Masaar 3 next to Khalid bin Sultan City. Keystone's early vision and groundwork have been instrumental in advancing the project to its current stage.

Thameside West stands out as one of London's best-connected regeneration zones. The area benefits from seamless access to the new Silvertown Tunnel, Custom House Station (Elizabeth, Jubilee and DLR lines), London City Airport, and the IFS Cable Car. Arada also intends to work with Transport for London on delivering an additional DLR station to further enhance connectivity. The site forms an important link between the Lea Valley Regeneration Area and the wider Royal Docks.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, commented:
"Our expansion into London reflects our strong confidence in the city's long-term appeal as a global capital. When we acquired Regal, we announced our ambition to scale our London pipeline to 30,000 homes within three years. The Thameside West acquisition marks a major step in that direction. This development presents an extraordinary opportunity to shape a world-class riverside community, and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver much-needed new housing for London."

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, said:
"I'm thrilled to see Arada investing in London and playing a pivotal role in transforming Thameside West, one of the Royal Docks' most important sites. Together, we will deliver at least 5,000 new homes, including 35% affordable housing, as part of a thriving new neighbourhood. This is a milestone moment in our mission to revitalise the Royal Docks and build a fairer, greener London."

Lord Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman of Foster + Partners, added:
"Thameside West is designed as a harmonious blend of architecture, landscape, and infrastructure. Its stepped buildings maximise views for residents, while its transport integration makes it one of London's most connected locations. With half the masterplan dedicated to green areas, over a thousand trees, and a kilometre of active waterfront, the project aims to foster an inclusive community rooted in wellbeing, vibrancy, and long-term sustainability."

Giorgio L. Laurenti, Chairman of Keystone, said:
"Thameside West is one of Greater London's most significant development opportunities, capable of delivering thousands of homes and generating major economic and social value. Arada is an ideal partner, with deep experience in large-scale mixed-use districts, to help bring this landmark vision to life."

With Thameside West now added to its portfolio, Arada's London pipeline expands to 15,000 homes, reinforcing its goal of tripling that number to 30,000 within three years. The acquisition builds on the developer's 30-year presence and proven track record in the UK property market.