Plans for a new DLR station in East London have moved closer to reality following the announcement of a 1,500-home first phase of the wider £2.5bn Thameside West development. The station, named Thames Wharf, is intended to serve the new community being built opposite The O2 Arena.
Thameside West First Phase Unveiled
Developer Arada has presented the initial phase of its Thameside West project, which could eventually deliver 5,000 apartments on a brownfield site in the Royal Docks. The first phase alone will bring 1,500 new homes, with construction slated to begin in early 2028, according to the Architects' Journal.
The masterplan, approved by City Hall in 2020, includes a commitment to provide 35 per cent affordable housing across the area. The development will also feature a 30,000-square-metre space at its heart, along with adventure-woodland areas, trails, and play spaces, as well as the planting of 1,000 trees.
Thames Wharf Station Design and Funding
Transport for London (TfL) has completed the feasibility design stage for Thames Wharf station as of the end of July and is now working to finalise these designs before securing the necessary funding. A TfL study from 2018 suggests the station could include stairs from street to platform level and 17-person lifts at the eastern end, with the potential to add a second set of stairs or lifts at the western end at a later date if needed.
TfL has acknowledged a "significant funding gap" for the station and is seeking contributions from Arada and other partners. A spokesperson said: "We are pleased to be working with Arada London and other partners on the design development of a potential new DLR station called Thames Wharf, which would support future growth and regeneration in the Royal Docks. This work will help ensure the proposal is sufficiently developed should funding opportunities be secured."
"While there is currently a significant funding gap for the station, we continue to explore potential external funding sources with partners to support its future delivery," the spokesperson added.
No Public Consultation Planned
TfL confirmed that no public consultation will be necessary for the construction of Thames Wharf station, but feedback will be sought on any planning permission applications associated with it. TfL has stated that the station could "support the redevelopment of the Royal Docks."
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, group chief executive officer of Arada, said: "Thameside West is a landscape-led masterplan, composed by nature, open to all and made for London. We have the ambition to create more than a new residential district. Thameside West is planned as a neighbourhood within the city, not an enclave at its edge: a new piece of East London where the quality of everyday London life comes first."
The project represents a significant step in the regeneration of the Royal Docks area, with the new station poised to enhance connectivity and support the growing community.
