London’s Best Kept Secret

Royal Wharf is one of the best kept secrets in London with over 4,000 new homes, schools, parks, and workspace for 50 new businesses.

Transformed from a desolate industrial 40-acre site, Royal Wharf is now a thriving, diverse community of over 10,000 people that happened quietly in less than six years. The pace, scale and ambition of Royal Wharf makes it a blueprint for future towns and cities.

With support from local government and collaboration with several partners, our design concept of a ‘New Great Estate’ for London has seen our ambitious plan culminate in a real place for people to live, learn and work.

A landmark neighbourhood, not a landmark building, Royal Wharf is part of a wider vision connecting established and future communities east, west and north of the site. Exceptionally connected, residents and visitors can take advantage of a kilometre of uninterrupted riverside promenade, cycle routes, and transport links, including the DLR, Elizabeth Line and Thames Clipper via the new Royal Wharf Pier.

Homes have been created through a range of typical London housing types, from townhouses to mansion blocks and point buildings. These homes have already proven successful as they suit a range of lifestyles and budgets. A high street adds life to the area, providing shops, workspace and services alongside a community centre and a two-form entry school, helping to establish a proper place.

A thriving community could not succeed without green and healthy spaces, and Royal Wharf’s three hectares of parks, gardens and squares, allow residents and visitors to relax and play in a safe and connected environment. These also knit seamlessly to surrounding spaces in Lyle and Thames Barrier Parks, creating over 10 hectares of connected green and open spaces.

In this short film, we hear from John Mulryan of Ballymore and Glenn Howells of Howells, alongside residents, business owners, and the local head teacher, on the success of Royal Wharf.