The regeneration of Silvertown in London’s Royal Docks is gathering pace, with residents set to move into the first new affordable homes and a revised masterplan approved by Newham Council’s planning committee. The updated plan paves the way for the delivery of nearly 7,000 homes, marking a major milestone in one of East London’s most significant regeneration projects.
The first phase of development will deliver 1,032 homes, with more than half designated as affordable housing. The Guinness Partnership is expected to welcome the first residents early next year, signalling the beginning of Silvertown’s transformation into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood.
Further momentum has been added with approval for a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across Royal Victoria Dock. The bridge will directly connect Silvertown to Custom House Station and the Elizabeth Line, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport as the main ways to access the area.
Jess Wallis, Development Director at Lendlease, said the project has focused on delivering affordable homes early and ensuring immediate benefits for local people. She noted that the arrival of new residents and improved connectivity demonstrate that Silvertown’s future is being built in partnership with the community.
Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, highlighted the significance of the approval, describing it as a turning point for a site that had remained derelict for more than four decades. He said the scheme will help transform the Royal Docks into a thriving place to live, work and visit.
The revised masterplan includes a commitment to 30% affordable housing by habitable room, updating the original 2016 consent to reflect current housing needs, design standards and sustainability priorities.
Located on a 60-acre site, Silvertown will ultimately include new homes, next-generation workspaces, restored heritage assets such as Millennium Mills, and a lively mix of shops, restaurants and cultural spaces around an activated dockside. The project is being delivered in partnership with the Greater London Authority, Homes England, the Royal Docks and the London Borough of Newham, supported by £233 million in infrastructure loan funding from Homes England.
