Business
Development profile: Royal Albert Dock
What’s happening? The developer, ABP, are calling it “a new international district”, with 4.7 million sq ft of office, residential, retail and leisure space. Flexible rental periods are on offer, on a wide range of workspaces to suit every requirement.
Where is Royal Albert Dock? Just north of London City Airport, on the opposite side of the dock next to the University of East London. Via Crossrail, it will be three stops from Canary Wharf and five stops from Liverpool Street. The site is served by three DLR stations: Royal Albert at the western end, Beckton Park in the centre, and Cyprus within easy walking distance of the eastern edge.
Total occupancy costs are £55 per sq ft, compared with £105 in The City.
How does it compare to London’s old business heart? Royal Albert Dock is a lot more affordable. Total occupancy costs are £55 per sq ft, compared with £105 in The City. Even Stratford comes in more expensive at £62. A range of spaces mean there’s something to suit every spec, alongside flexible terms to accommodate growth.
Is it all business? Quite the opposite. ABP are keen to nurture a traditional high street atmosphere here that’s lively at all hours. Plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars along the water and around eight public squares will bring the place to life after work and on weekends.
A traditional high street atmosphere here that’s lively at all hours.
Who are ABP? Advanced Business Park are known for investing in the construction and development of economic zones in China. This is their first overseas project, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative that aims to create a Silk Road for the 21st century to drive Chinese investment across the globe. President Xi Jinping hailed the scheme's significance on his state visit to the UK in October 2015, when he witnessed the signing of the agreement to deliver Royal Albert Docks and called it a “golden era” of trade co-operation between the countries.
How soon can I move in? The first phase will be completed by March 2019, with the opening of 21 Grade A office buildings. Have a look at the spaces on the ABP website.
