Celebrating what makes the Royal Docks unique.
The Royal Docks is already one of London's most visited destinations, welcoming more than eight million visitors each year. Home to internationally recognised venues and attractions including ExCeL London, Immerse LDN and the Cable Car, it combines global reach with an extraordinary waterfront, rich heritage and the creativity, diversity and distinctive character of East London.
We’re building on these strengths to establish the Royal Docks as London’s Cultural Engine - a place where major global events and experiences sit alongside grassroots creativity and culture that is made here.
Our ambition
Our ambition is for the Royal Docks to be recognised as one of London’s most distinctive cultural and waterfront destinations – a place with a strong identity, a thriving creative economy and experiences that draw people from across London and beyond.
At the heart of this is a growing cultural and creative ecosystem: artists and creative businesses making and developing work here, supported by creative spaces, cultural organisations and strong partnerships. Through commissions, public art and cultural placemaking, that creativity can also shape the experience of the Royal Docks – animating public spaces and the waterfront, creating opportunities for local people to participate and bringing more life and activity to the area throughout the year.
By connecting this distinctive local offer with the Royal Docks’ major venues, attractions and global events – and taking it to wider audiences through storytelling, communications and destination marketing – we can build awareness, challenge perceptions and support the growth of the visitor and creative economies.
Our priorities
Celebrating culture and creativity
Supporting and delivering festivals, public art, cultural programmes and creative organisations that bring the Royal Docks to life throughout the year.
Strengthening identity
Celebrating the Royal Docks' heritage, diverse communities and distinctive East London character while creating a stronger sense of place.
Building pride in place
Working with local communities and partners to create opportunities for participation, volunteering and community-led initiatives that foster pride in the Royal Docks.
Growing our reputation
Promoting the Royal Docks through marketing, communications and storytelling to strengthen its profile as one of London's most distinctive waterfront destinations.
Growing the visitor economy
Working with partners to build on the area's world-class attractions, events and leisure offer, encouraging more people to discover and spend time in the Royal Docks.
Strengthening cultural partnerships
Working with artists, cultural organisations, businesses and communities to deliver an ambitious, inclusive and collaborative cultural programme.
In focus: At the Docks
At the Docks is the Royal Docks' flagship destination programme, bringing together major events, community festivals, waterside activities and cultural experiences across the summer. Working with partners, local organisations and creatives, the programme helps animate the waterfront, support local businesses, attract new audiences and showcase the Royal Docks as one of London’s most exciting and dynamic places to visit.
Key projects
Discover some of the projects helping deliver this strategic outcome.
Royal Docks Originals
Creative Connectors
Summer Splash
The Factory
Pump House
Pews an Perches
Public Art
Silver Building
Silverworks Island
Fire Works
Compressor House and Model
What success looks like
Success means creating a Royal Docks with a strong sense of identity, a growing cultural reputation and communities that feel connected to the place they call home. We track progress through the delivery of projects and programmes that:
• Celebrate the Royal Docks' culture, heritage and communities
• Grow participation in cultural and community activities
• Strengthen the area's identity and sense of place
• Raise the profile and reputation of the Royal Docks
• Attract more visitors and new audiences
• Support a thriving cultural and creative sector
Related publications
• Five-Year Delivery Plan
• Cultural Strategy
• Brand Guidelines
• Community Strategy
• Creative Connectors
Related news
Automatic feed of news stories relating to culture, placemaking, heritage and destination marketing.