The first phase of a riverside and dockside development Royal Albert Wharf reached a major landmark last week with a topping out ceremony.
The development of Royal Albert Wharf forms part of the Royal Docks regeneration and will provide one, two, three and four-bedroom homes, as well as commercial space along both the dock and riverside.
Tuesday’s ceremony marked the topping out of the first phase of 350 new homes offering great views overlooking the docks, 44% of which will be available for shared ownership or affordable rent with more than a third of those being either three or four-bed family homes.
Councillor Ken Clark, cabinet member for regeneration and planning at Newham Council, was on hand to put the finishing touches to the tallest building on the site. He said: “As a former Notting Hill housing tenant I am delighted to see this development taking shape and that residents will have an opportunity to live in affordable properties by the dock. It is exciting that in only a few months we will be able to welcome the first residents to their new homes on this glorious location.
“It is really important to Newham that this area becomes a community and this development and additional retail space will go a long way to creating that. In a few years, life around the Royal Albert Wharf will be transformed and there will be lots of opportunities for residents arising from the wider regeneration of the Royal Docks over the next decade.”
Designed by Maccreanor Lavington Architects to reflect the historical nature of the docks, a historic working pumphouse is being retained as a focal point for the development, while a new pedestrian footbridge over the dock will also be built.
Notting Hill Housing is developing the site, and Ed Badke, director of development, said: “Royal Albert Wharf has set many records for Notting Hill Housing.
“At the time we purchased the site it was the largest we had ever bought and it is fantastic to come along today and see the results of the hard work and effort from all the stakeholders who have contributed to this great development.”
The site is being built by Galliford Try Partnerships and work is due to be completed in 2017.
Bradleigh Coker, project director for Galliford Try, added: “Great Eastern Quays is an exceptional mixed use regeneration scheme. Planning permission was granted in December 2013, demolition started eight months later and construction started in December 2014.
“Just a year later we are celebrating the topping out of the last block in phase one, with the first handover of flats in May this year. It’s a huge achievement.”
Royal Albert Wharf is made up of Great Eastern Quays and Gallions Quarter, both in Newham and developed by Notting Hill Housing. In total, it will provide 1,500 homes and 8,700 sq m of commercial, retail, community and leisure space.