Creating healthier, greener and more connected places where people and communities can thrive.
The transformation of the Royal Docks is an opportunity to create one of London’s most sustainable and liveable waterfronts. Working with partners and local communities, we're improving streets, public spaces, the waterfront, community infrastructure and the environment to create neighbourhoods that support healthier lives, stronger communities and a more resilient future.
Our ambition
Our ambition is to make sustainability and wellbeing fundamental to how the Royal Docks grows. That means looking beyond individual developments to the quality of the wider place – how people move around, access nature and the waterfront, connect with one another and use and enjoy their neighbourhoods.
We’re investing in the infrastructure that makes this possible, from greener streets, parks and public spaces to sustainable drainage, active travel and community facilities. At the same time, we’re working with local people to shape and care for the places around them, helping build stronger communities and support long-term stewardship.
By taking this joined-up approach, regeneration can improve everyday quality of life while helping the Royal Docks respond to the climate emergency and adapt for the future.
Our priorities
Improving public spaces
Creating greener, more welcoming parks, streets and waterfront spaces that bring people together, support healthier lifestyles and foster pride in place.
Strengthening communities
Working alongside residents, businesses and local organisations to help shape, care for and champion the Royal Docks.
Delivering social infrastructure
Working with partners to support the facilities, services and spaces that enable communities to thrive.
Enhancing the waterfront and natural environment
Opening up more opportunities to enjoy the docks and waterfront while improving biodiversity, access to nature and the quality of the public realm.
Improving health and wellbeing
Creating more opportunities to be active, spend time outdoors and connect with others through investment in places and programmes.
Building climate resilience
Supporting greener neighbourhoods, sustainable infrastructure and measures that help the Royal Docks adapt to climate change.
In focus / Spotlight:
Greener streets, healthier places
Great places are shaped by the quality of their public spaces. That's why we're investing in streets, parks and the waterfront to create a greener, healthier and more connected Royal Docks.
The Royal Docks Corridor is one of our flagship public realm projects, transforming key routes with wider pavements, new cycle infrastructure, tree planting, rain gardens and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). By creating safer, greener and more welcoming streets, we're making it easier for people to walk, cycle and spend time outdoors while improving biodiversity and building resilience to climate change. Read more> (link to article)
What success looks like
We want the benefits of regeneration to be visible and felt in everyday life: better places to walk, cycle, meet and spend time; more opportunities to enjoy nature and the waterfront; stronger community connections; and neighbourhoods better equipped for a changing climate.
We track our progress through the delivery of projects and programmes that:
- Improve the quality and accessibility of public spaces and the waterfront
- Enhance biodiversity and green infrastructure
- Strengthen community infrastructure, participation and stewardship
- Increase opportunities for walking, cycling, recreation and healthier lifestyles
- Improve resilience to the impacts of climate change
Key projects
Discover some of the projects helping deliver this strategic outcome.
• Royal Docks Corridor
• People Powered Places
• Launch of RD Waterways
• Thames Barrier Park Green Flags
• TSW Community Review Design Panel
• Dock Beach & Summer Splash
• Pews & Perches
• Floating Gardens
• Tree Planting
Publications & resources
• Five-Year Delivery Plan
• Public Realm Framework
• Community Strategy
• Royal Docks Waterways Vision