Thamesmead Waterfront: a new chapter in London’s ‘new town’ story

Vision

The Thamesmead Waterfront project represents a nationally significant opportunity to deliver up to 15,000 new homes through the creation of a well-connected, sustainable urban extension in southeast London. The 100-hectare brownfield area is predominantly owned by Peabody who are delivering the project as part of a Joint Venture with Lendlease and The Crown Estate. The vision is to create a modern, vibrant riverside community - with new homes, jobs, and public spaces - that reconnects Thamesmead with the rest of the capital.

The wider Thamesmead area, comparable in size to central London, has long been seen as a place of unrealised potential. Originally identified in the 1960s as a potential post-war development, it’s early promise was hindered by design challenges, poor connectivity, and environmental constraints. In recent years, coordinated efforts between The Mayor of London, Transport for London (TfL), and the boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley led to the adoption of the Thamesmead and Abbey Wood Opportunity Area Planning Framework (OAPF) in 2020. The Waterfront sits within the OAPF and remains a key priority of the Mayor of London, identified as a leading focus in the London Local Growth Plan.

A key role to play

The proposed extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead, backed by the Mayor and supported by 85% of local residents, is seen as critical to unlocking the site’s full potential. Designs for a new station are already underway, with TfL announcing a fresh ‘funding boost’ in the summer which will, in part, go towards extending the DLR to Thamesmead. With the SE28 postcode currently the only one in London without a train or tube station, the DLR extension is not just desirable, it’s essential to serve existing residents and unlock growth.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Greenwich Council, described it as “fantastic news”. Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, emphasised the area’s capacity to play a key role in tackling London’s housing crisis.

Final designation as a new town is subject to further assessment, but the inclusion of Thamesmead in the shortlist adds momentum to a regeneration story decades in the making. 

As the government looks to deliver 300,000 homes across the 12 shortlisted sites, Thamesmead could stand out as a compelling example of how strategic investment and partnership working can transform overlooked urban areas into thriving communities.

Further information

Contact Ollie Wheeler or Matt Richards