LDA consults on ‘arc of opportunity’

The London Development Authority has begun seeking legal advice on the transformation of London’s Royal Docks. Burges Salmon has been asked to assist the LDA in decisions relating to the redevelopment of the Royal Albert Docks, a 14-acre element of the larger development nicknamed the ‘arc of opportunity’.

Located in Newham, 85-acres of dockland will be subject to £22bn of redevelopment, with the development of several thousand new affordable houses along with business and retail opportunities. The project has been described as “London’s regeneration priority for the next 25 years” by Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales, sentiment previously mirrored by the LDA.

A shortlist of developers for the docks is due be announced later in 2011, with the final plan to be chosen in early 2012. Renewed interest in the development will be a relief to locals and official following the collapse of previous plans in 2010 due to extensive delays in development.