Regeneration news
Our Royal Docks 2025 Highlights
It’s been another phenomenal year in the Royal Docks with major development milestones, cultural events and community initiatives.
Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from 2025 as we head into 2026 and beyond.
A huge thank you to everyone involved: projects, partners and people whose energy and commitment keep shaping the Royal Docks into an inclusive and vibrant place full of opportunity and enterprise.
Spring
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The Royal Docks Networking Forum kicked off the year by welcoming over 100 businesses, alongside a visit from the TUC General Secretary to explore inclusive growth and forward-thinking ideas
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The new Dialogue Café opened its doors, adding another vibrant community space to the Royal Docks
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The Thames Barrier was crowned London’s most underrated tourist attraction
ExceL London celebrated a major milestone, welcoming its 60 millionth visitor during a landmark anniversary year
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The Silvertown Tunnel officially opened, with thousands already benefitting from faster and more reliable crossing
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New members were announced to the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Programme Board, strengthening leadership across the area
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Lendlease unveiled an industry-leading joint venture, signalling strong confidence in the Royal Docks
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Progress continued at Compressor House, a future landmark community space
Summer
- A striking new mural by Graphic Rewilding kicked off Royal Docks Originals 2025
- In Between, a powerful new artwork by Hélène Amouzou, launched on The Line
- At the Docks 2025 programme was unveiled, promising another exciting season ahead
- Ensemble Festival marked its 10-year anniversary
- Royal Docks Summer Splash brought free, family-friendly fun back to the waterfront
- Thames Barrier Park proudly retained its Green Flag status for 2025
- The Royal Albert Dock development opportunity was launched
- The Royal Docks Investment Prospectus was published, showcasing future ambitions and opportunities
Autumn
- A major milestone was reached as the next phase of works began on the Royal Docks Corridor
- Royal Docks Originals Festival returned, celebrating local creativity and talent
- Rekindling lit up the docks with a striking fire installation outside City Hall
- Compressor House Warming event brought the community together to celebrate progress on this much-anticipated space
- MassChallenge UK reflected on a year of growth and innovation in the Royal Docks
Winter
- The Thameside West development secured significant investment, marking another step forward for regeneration
- The DLR extension was approved, delivering a major boost for connectivity and future growth
- The Royal Docks were identified as a potential new home for New Billingsgate and New Smithfield Markets
- Momentum continued to build at Silvertown, with affordable homes completed and the masterplan approved