A rather sizeable floating destination could soon be wading into London, as some exciting new plans to transform East London’s historic Royal Docks have recently been proposed. The plans in question include a trio of new floating facilities that will be perched directly on the water at Royal Victoria Dock West.
The ‘distinctive new water-based destination’ would span a 12-hectare stretch of water and is set to feature floating homes, a floating wellness hub, and London’s very first floating park. The prospective plans come courtesy of Royal Docks Waterways (the company that holds the lease on the water within the docks), and comes as part of a larger plan to give the Royal Docks a whole new lease of life over the coming years. The area’s gargantuan glow-up is being supported by a rather hefty £5 billion investment, led by Sadiq Kahn.
London’s largest floating destination
The proposed floating park would boast a landscaped green space on the water alongside space for art installations and cultural events. Newham is notoriously pretty thin on the ground when it comes to accessible green space, so a floating park would certainly come as a welcome addition the borough.
The floating wellness area would serve as a year-round wellbeing hub. Featuring a floating lido (complete with sauna and spa facilities) and ‘expanded support’ for free open water swimming; this particular space will reflect the recent rise in popularity of al-fresco swimming in the capital. The floating residential section would see a wonderful waterside community created with a plethora of new houseboat mooring spots and floating homes.
The plans are currently still in the very early stages of conception. Royal Docks Waterways will now hold a series of public consultations for locals to put their two cents in on the matter. The proposals will then be altered according the feedback received, and the early phases of construction could begin before 2030.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “The transformation of Royal Victoria Dock West is a major opportunity for Newham and for London as a whole, creating what will become on of the city’s most exciting new public spaces.
“I’m committed to transforming our waterways – cleaning them up, enabling wildlife to thrive and improving Londoners’ access to blue spaces across the city.
“Royal Docks Waterways’ work will help to ensure that Londoners can experience clean and safe waterways and enjoy the benefits of spending time near water, helping to build a greener and fairer London for everyone.”
You can find out more and have your say here.