Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 18, Arada has acquired control of Thameside West from private developer Keystone, marking its second major investment in London’s residential market following the purchase of Regal in September 2025. Thameside West is a mixed-use waterfront development at the western end of London’s Royal Docks. The masterplan, designed by Foster & Partners, envisions at least 5,000 residential apartments across 47 acres along one kilometre of waterfront, with a gross development value of £2.5 billion.

Already granted planning consent, the first phase will deliver 1,000 homes, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. As the 80% shareholder, Arada will collaborate with the London Borough of Newham, Greater London Authority (GLA), and Transport for London to transform the former industrial site into a new neighbourhood. GLA Land & Property (GLAP) remains the other landowner.

Arada was founded in 2017 by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Basma Group, and Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Alsaud, chairman of KBW Investments. Sheikh Sultan said: “Our entry into this market was grounded in our unwavering faith in London and its attractiveness as one of the world’s leading capital cities. At the time of the Regal acquisition, we articulated our ambition to scale our London residential pipeline to 30,000 units over the next three years, and we have swiftly delivered on growing that pipeline. Thameside West represents a unique opportunity to create a landmark riverside development, and we look forward to working with our partners and utilising our long-standing track record in large-scale, amenity-rich residential schemes to unlock the delivery of new housing for London.”

Lord Norman Foster, architect of Thameside West, added: “Thameside West is a place where architecture, nature and infrastructure come together in balance. The stepped design ensures exceptional views from every building, while the integration of air, road, rail, river and tunnel links makes this one of the most connected sites in London. Half the master plan is dedicated to green space, including more than a thousand trees and a kilometre of active waterfront, creating a setting that is both restorative and dynamic. Our goal is to build a truly inclusive community – one that brings opportunity, sustainability and vitality to the heart of London.”

Keystone chairman Giorgio Laurenti said: “One of the most significant development opportunities in Greater London, Thameside West is a transformational destination designed to deliver thousands of new homes while generating substantial economic and social value for the wider community. With Arada, we have found an ideal and trusted partner, with tried-and-tested experience in large-scale urban mixed-use districts, to work with as we move closer to bringing this landmark project to life.”

Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, said: “I am delighted that Arada is investing in London to transform Thameside West – one of the key sites within the Royal Docks. This really is a fantastic example of how we can unlock London’s potential to deliver the homes our city so urgently needs. Working together we will be able to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable as part of a thriving new neighbourhood in the heart of this historic part of East London.”

The development will integrate residential, commercial, and public spaces while prioritizing green areas and connectivity, aiming to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community along London’s Royal Docks.