Arada Acquires Thameside West to Transform London Waterfront

Arada, the UAE’s rapidly expanding master developer, has announced the acquisition of an 80% stake in Thameside West, a landmark waterfront mixed-use development located at the western edge of London’s Royal Docks.

Master-planned by the globally acclaimed firm Foster + Partners, Thameside West is set to become a vibrant urban destination, delivering over 5,000 homes, with half of the 47-acre site dedicated to green spaces and 1 kilometre of active waterfront. The site benefits from exceptional connectivity, integrating air, road, rail, river, and tunnel links, positioning it among the best-connected locations in London.

Twice the size of New York’s Hudson Yards, Thameside West is one of Europe’s largest and most strategically significant regeneration opportunities, boasting a Gross Development Value (GDV) of £2.5 billion. The development occupies central London’s longest stretch of undeveloped riverfront, with panoramic views across Canary Wharf and the Greenwich Peninsula. With planning consent already secured, construction of the first 1,000 homes is scheduled to commence in 2027.

This acquisition from private developer Keystone marks Arada’s second major investment in London’s residential sector within two months, following the September acquisition of local developer Regal.

Arada will collaborate closely with the London Borough of Newham, the Greater London Authority, and Transport for London to transform this former industrial site into a dynamic new neighbourhood. GLA Land and Property Limited (GLAP), as a key landowner, will also partner with Arada to unlock the project’s full potential.

Thameside West enjoys unparalleled transport infrastructure, including the recently completed Silvertown Tunnel, Custom House station (Elizabeth, Jubilee, and DLR lines), City Airport, and the IFS Cable Car. Arada has plans to deliver an additional DLR station in partnership with Transport for London, further enhancing connectivity.

His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, stated:
"Our entry into the London market reflects our confidence in the city as a global capital. Following our Regal acquisition, we committed to scaling our London residential pipeline to 30,000 units over the next three years. Thameside West offers a unique opportunity to create a landmark riverside development, and we are excited to bring our expertise in large-scale, amenity-rich residential projects to this transformative site."

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, commented:
"Arada’s investment in Thameside West highlights the potential of the Royal Docks to deliver much-needed housing for London. This project exemplifies how collaboration can unlock new opportunities for our city."

Giorgio L. Laurenti, Chairman of Keystone, added:
"Thameside West represents one of the most significant development opportunities in Greater London. It is designed to deliver thousands of new homes while generating substantial economic and social value for the wider community."