The Royal Docks is making waves for first-time buyers

A transformative riverside community – the Royal Docks is making waves for first-time buyers

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the historic Royal Docks has re-emerged in the past decade as one of London’s most significant areas for regeneration.  As London’s only Enterprise Zone, it’s fast becoming a flourishing and diverse commercial district, home to giants of industry including Siemens and ExCel London, as well as startups and creatives pioneering the fields of fashion, set design and art.

A vibrant waterside hub, the Royal Docks provides a fusion of modern creative flare with a storied maritime heritage.  From weekend watersports to live music and culinary delights from around the world, at the Royal Docks there really is something for everyone. 

Here, residents are part of an established and welcoming community, enjoying all that the docks have to offer within easy reach of the rest of the city.

The Royal Docks: Steeped in history

First built in 1855, the Royal Docks introduced a new world of commerce to the capital, helping to position London as a leading global centre for trade and industry.

The docks operated as a vital base throughout WW2 despite heavy bombing and remained a key commercial hub for many years.

After the decline and eventual closure of the Royal Docks in 1981, the area has remained a symbol of Britain’s industrial legacy.

Regeneration of the Royal Docks: Royal Albert Wharf

Today, the Royal Docks is emerging as prime location to live and work: covering 1,200 acres, this thriving destination is East London’s newest gem.

Noted for its artistic buzz, this emerging cultural hub welcomes makers from a variety of industries. Leading creative learning provider Bow Arts is helping creativity bloom in the Royal Docks at Royal Albert Wharf by providing affordable, versatile workspace for over 400 artists and makers.

Partnering with NHG Homes, Bow Arts delivers an ever-changing series of events and workshops at RAW Labs, the neighbourhood’s community hub, café and arts centre. Public-facing, glass-fronted studio spaces host yoga classes, arts clubs and ‘drink and draw’ evenings, to name a few. Bow Arts’ creative arts programme continues to gain momentum as the local community flourishes, bringing a new lease of life into the area.

Places to eat and drink in the Royal Docks

When it comes to food and drink, the Royal Docks is brimming with options.

Exploring the Royal Docks

This unique destination boasts easy access to adventures on the water. At Royal Docks Adventure visitors can make a splash on power boats, canoes, dragon boats, and for keen rowers there’s even a 2,000 metre rowing course with seven lanes.

Enjoying a dog walk or morning run is also easy, with plenty of green spaces just a stone’s throw away. The delightful 19^th-century Royal Victoria Gardens feature riverside views, a tennis court and splash pool and play area for children, while Beckton Park and Thames Barrier Park are also within walking or cycling distance.

This location offers the best of both worlds – peaceful, riverside living with quick, accessible transport links to the rest of the city via the DLR and the Elizabeth line from Custom House. With Gallions Reach DLR station just a short walk from Royal Albert Wharf, residents can travel into central London in under 30 minutes, or to London City Airport in 18 minutes from the station.

Homes at Royal Albert Wharf

This spring, NHG Homes launched its latest and final phase of homes at Royal Albert Wharf.  It marks the last stage of the flagship 15-year regeneration project which has helped to transform this corner of the Royal Docks into a vibrant waterside community.

Open-plan, bright layouts are complemented by high quality fixtures and fittings and integrated Bosch appliances as well as spacious terraces. Designed to support modern urban living, the development also includes a concierge service and dedicated workspace and lounge area exclusively for residents.

All residents have access to an on-site car club and cycle storage and parking is also offered and included as standard with all three-bedroom apartments – a rarity in central London.

First-time buyers Nate and Bianca moved into their one-bedroom apartment at the development in April 2021. They said:

Prices for the 58 new homes start at £375,000 for a one-bedroom, £495,000 for a two-bedroom and £660,000 for a three-bedroom apartment.  Final homes will also be available with Shared Ownership from late 2024.