Beckton Riverside Phase 1, Newham

London Borough of Newham

Project type New Neighbourhood

Client St William (Berkeley Group)

Stage Planning Approval

Project type New Neighbourhood

Client St William (Berkeley Group)

Stage Planning Approval

Transforming a former gasworks into a new mixed-use waterfront community for Newham

Once the largest gasworks in Europe and located within the Royal Docks and Beckton Riverside Opportunity Area, JTP’s approved Phase 1 Outline Planning Application is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Beckton Riverside, includes up to 2,900 new homes alongside 5,000 sqm of commercial and community space to create a new mixed-use neighbourhood on the River Thames.

JTP has worked alongside London Borough of Newham, TfL, the GLA, Aberdeen Standard and other partners since 2016 to shape a masterplan framework that open ups and enhances access to the riverfront, creating new routes through Beckton that connect existing and future residents to local amenities, social infrastructure and green spaces.

Unanimous planning approval secured for Phase 1, paving the way for 2,900 homes

The proposals complement the existing retail centre through a complementary mix of shops, cafés, restaurants, community facilities, commercial floorspace and sports uses. This supports local employment, diversifies the local centre economy, and creates a more active and resilient neighbourhood.

A network of new streets and public spaces will prioritise walking and cycling, anchored by Pier Park – a new 3-hectare riverside park that provides access to 800m of riverfront for Newham residents and extends the Thames Path with a continuous pedestrian and cycle route along the water’s edge. Along the western boundary, Armada Way will be transformed into Armada Greenway, a biodiverse linear park providing a soft, landscaped buffer between new homes and the adjacent DLR Depot, while enhancing ecological value and local connectivity.

Pier Park unlocks 800m of riverfront within a new 3-hectare park

Backed by the UK Government, Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA), proposals include a DLR extension from Gallions Reach to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.

New streets and spaces will also be created that promote walking and cycling, including a new 3 hectare riverside park unlocking 800m of riverfront for Newham residents.

The masterplan has been shaped directly by the community. JTP facilitated a Community Planning Weekend with local residents, including heritage tours as part of Newham Heritage Month and a dedicated session with pupils from Kingsford Community School, gathering insights that were fed into the emerging Vision for the site. This engagement-led approach – combined with close collaboration with Newham Council, TfL and the GLA – has helped secure unanimous support for Phase 1 and set the framework for the remaining regeneration of Beckton Riverside and the wider Royal Docks.

Through remediation, climate-resilient design, pedestrian and cycle-first connectivity, and community-led planning, Phase 1 creates a safer, greener and inclusive place, laying the foundation for the long-term social, economic and environmental revitalisation of Beckton Riverside.