Royal Docks and Beckton

The area of Royal Docks and Beckton was the first in Newham to benefit from the current wave of regeneration, coming under the remit of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) throughout the 1980s. Both areas were well known - Royal Docks for its three docks and Beckton for the massive Gas Works and Sewage Works.

Royal Victoria Dock opened in 1855. When built it was the most technologically advanced dock in the world, and the first to be connected to the railways. Due to its success, it was joined by Royal Albert Dock in 1880 and King George V Dock in 1921. These docks were extremely important to the economy of Newham and Britain as a whole. Thousands were employed by the docks, and many more by the businesses and industries located in the area.

Beckton was also extremely important to London. The Gas Works served the whole of London right up until 1969 when natural gas began to be used. The Sewage Works, built in 1875, was at the time Europe's largest, treating the sewage for the whole of north London.

Things started to change in the late 1960s. Goods began to be transported by road rather than rail, so the Royal Docks connection to the railways was no longer a competitive advantage, especially as road links in the area were quite poor. Changes in the way cargo was transported across the sea meant that river docks such as Royal Docks were being used less and less. By the mid-70s the Docks were in real financial trouble and in 1981 they closed completely.

The Gas Works in Beckton had already closed in 1969 with the movement to natural gas. The whole area turned into an industrial wasteland, with hundreds of acres of land left derelict. The surrounding residential areas became blighted by high unemployment, poor infrastructure and a lack of amenities.

When the LDDC was formed in 1981 to regenerate the Docklands area, it realised that the key to encouraging businesses and developers was to improve the dilapidated infrastructure and generally clean up the area. New roads were built, the DLR was extended into the area, and land was made suitable for development. With the improved infrastructure in place both Royal Docks and Beckton have changed radically over the last ten years.

London City Airport

One of the first actions of the LDDC was to look into building an airport in the Docklands area. Opened in 1987, the Airport proved an important step in regenerating Royal Docks, and Newham as a whole, by bringing many people to the area that otherwise would have had no reason to come here.

ExCeL

This massive exhibition centre is based in the impressive surroundings of the docks, running alongside Royal Victoria Dock. The centre holds trade and public exhibitions, conferences and events. Around the centre are various restaurants, bars, hotels and other leisure facilities.

Beckton Globe

With the sheer amount of new housing that has been built in the area, and the influx of new people this has brought, Beckton needed to improve its provision of basic services. So in June 1998 Beckton Globe was opened, a purpose built complex containing a variety of community and public services.

University of East London

Opened in the autumn of 1999, the UEL Docklands Campus is a £100 million facility built for 7000 students. Based by Royal Albert Dock, the Campus commands stunning views of the docks and airport.

Thames Barrier Park

London's first major public parkland project for over 50 years, the Thames Barrier Park is a 22-acre garden for the 21st century. Located in Silvertown, the park is an important step in giving the area an attractive look while providing welcome public green space.

Britannia Village

Britannia Village is a modern residential development situated on the banks of the Thames.

West Silvertown

With the first wave of new homes nearly complete, the first phase of West Silvertown consists of a mixture of private and public housing, designed to reflect the self-sustaining qualities of a village.

Thames Gateway Bridge

Plans are now being made to build a bridge connecting the A13 at Gallions Reach in Beckton to the A2016 Eastern and Western Way at Thamesmead on the south side of the river. It is hoped that the bridge will be built and open by 2013.

Tate and Lyle

Currently Newham's biggest employer, Tate & Lyle have been in the area for many years, employing thousands of local people. The company has worked with NEBP in establishing a good relationship with the local community as well as getting involved in various education projects.

Waterfront Studios

The product of a partnership between Greater London Enterprises and Newham Council, Waterfront Studios is a brand new Business Centre. Built as part of the refurbished road arches, the Studios come with a cafe and reception that look out across Western Beach on the Royal Docks.