One of London’s largest waterfront regeneration projects has taken a major step forward, with developer Arada confirming plans to begin construction on its landmark £2.5 billion Thameside West development in early 2028. The Dubai-based developer is accelerating preparations for the transformation of the 47-acre brownfield site in the Royal Docks, with a planning application for the first phase expected to be submitted later this summer. The opening stage of the development will deliver approximately 1,500 homes across six residential buildings, forming the first chapter of a wider masterplan that will create at least 5,000 new homes on one of central London’s largest undeveloped stretches of riverfront. Arada has appointed an experienced professional team to deliver the first phase, with architecture practice Gensler, engineering consultancy Arup and landscape architects Planit leading the design and technical work ahead of the planning submission. Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the site occupies a prime position overlooking Canary Wharf and the Greenwich Peninsula. Once complete, the regeneration will deliver a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood featuring new homes, public spaces and extensive riverside amenities designed to reconnect the area with London’s waterfront. The wider masterplan includes a commitment to provide at least 35% affordable housing, alongside a kilometre of publicly accessible waterfront and landscaped green space covering around half of the site. The proposals are intended to create a highly sustainable, people-focused neighbourhood that balances residential development with high-quality public realm and biodiversity enhancements. Ahead of submitting revised plans, Arada has confirmed that the first phase has been comprehensively redesigned to comply with the latest building safety legislation and regulatory requirements, reflecting the industry’s continued focus on delivering safer, more resilient residential developments. A significant infrastructure element of the project will also see Arada working alongside Transport for London to deliver a new Docklands Light Railway station. The station is expected to be operational before the first residents move into the development, significantly improving connectivity across the Royal Docks and supporting long-term growth in east London. Construction will be undertaken by Arada London through the company’s vertically integrated delivery model, which combines planning, construction, sales and long-term asset management under one organisation. The approach is intended to streamline project delivery while maintaining greater control over quality, programme and long-term stewardship of the development. For the construction and property sectors, Thameside West represents one of the UK’s most significant mixed-use regeneration opportunities, creating substantial demand across residential construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping, public realm, utilities and specialist supply chains over the coming years. The development is being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority’s property company, GLAP, and forms a key component of the wider Royal Docks regeneration programme, which aims to deliver more than 36,000 new homes and create around 55,000 jobs over the next two decades. If approved, Thameside West will transform one of London’s last major undeveloped riverfront sites into a thriving new neighbourhood, reinforcing the Royal Docks’ position as one of the capital’s most ambitious regeneration and development hotspots. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A land deal has been completed on the latest phase of Plasdŵr, with infrastructure works starting imminently. Edenstone and Codi have formed a joint venture to deliver Porth yr Awen, a £55 million development of 184 new homes on Parcel 2C of the 900-acre neighbourhood, which will eventually provide around 7,000 homes. Simon Lewis, development manager at Codi, said: “It’s exciting to reach this stage of the project, with work soon due to begin at Porth yr Awen. Every new development like this helps us provide more affordable homes for people who need them, while creating places where communities can grow and thrive. “Working alongside Edenstone, we’re looking forward to bringing Porth yr Awen to life and creating a well-designed, mixed-tenure neighbourhood that people will be proud to call home.” Edenstone operations director Chris Edge said: “The initial phase of works will see the construction of a spine road into Porth yr Awen, creating access for the infrastructure works that will prepare this development and phases beyond for new homes. Once this access route is created, work will commence on the homes along the tree lined avenue.” Designed as a contemporary, urban neighbourhood, Porth yr Awen will feature modern housing, thoughtfully integrated green spaces and landscaped areas that shape a welcoming community environment. Porth yr Awen will provide 127 open market properties and 57 affordable homes, offering a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes and apartments. Designed to achieve the highest Energy Performance Certificate rating of A, the homes will be among the most efficient homes available. The affordable housing will include intermediate rental and low-cost homeownership options, ensuring a balanced and inclusive community. It’s anticipated the first homes will be released for sale in early 2027 with the first residents expected to move into Porth yr Awen later that year. The development has been designed around a tree-lined spine road linking the entrance to a network of open spaces, helping create a connected, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood for residents. The land acquired by the partnership is Parcel 2C of Plasdŵr, Cardiff’s £2 billion garden city of 7,000 homes, planned over a 900 acre-site bordering Radyr, Danescourt, Fairwater, Pentrebane and St Fagans. Plasdŵr is a strategic site to the north west of the capital city, identified in Cardiff’s Local Development Plan as key to the city’s economic growth. Nick Lawley, director at Cooke & Arkwright, advisors to the landowners at Plasdŵr, said: “The landowners at Plasdŵr have a long term vision to create a new community within Cardiff where residents can live in a sustainable quality environment with the full range of local amenities. We are pleased to welcome Codi and Edenstone as the latest developers to be building at Plasdŵr.” Headquartered in Magor, Edenstone is one of Wales’s largest privately owned residential developers, with mixed-tenure developments underway across South Wales and the West of England. The company has a strong track record of partnership working, alongside its credentials in placemaking and sustainability-led delivery. Codi Group is Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support services – manages close to 25,000 homes across the country and has ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years. Formed through the merger of Linc Cymru and Pobl Group in 2024, Codi brings together significant experience in housing delivery and community investment, alongside a strong commitment to helping people and communities thrive. For further information, visit edenstonehomes.com or codigroup.co.uk.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals