London’s Royal Docks were built in the mid-19th century – a marvel of Victorian engineering. An average of thirteen metres deep and 4 kilometres long, they cover an area the size of Central London. They closed to commercial vessels in 1981. Now this unique area is coming back to life in spectacular fashion and London’s Royal Docks are well on the way to being a vibrant and exciting waterside destination. The Royal Docks Management Authority Limited (RoDMA) is one of many organisations responsible for making it happen.
Managing London’s Royal Docks
The Royal Docks Management Authority Limited (RoDMA) has a 225 year lease to maintain and manage the water and some of the land across the 13kms of dock edge. This includes the lifting and swing bridges, the lock gates, the Impound Station and other items of dock infrastructure. RoDMA is also playing a supporting role in using the unique waterfront setting to create a new destination for London – a place of culture, fun, cuisine and sport – with space for business, creativity and waterside living.
The first developments
Development is well underway on this vast expanse of waterfront. Royal Victoria Dock brings thousands of visitors to exhibitions, events, water sports activities, bars, restaurants and gardens. 600,000 residents live in London’s Royal Docks. A wide range of future developments are in the design, planning and construction phases.
A waterside destination for all
Exploring the dockside, enjoying an activity-packed day, relaxing by the water, taking part in watersport, dining at a waterfront restaurant. These are just some of the ways you can enjoy London’s Royal Docks. It’s also becoming a new hub for business and an enviable place to live with dockside and river views.
Dock Regulations, London Docklands Development Corporation Act 1994 Byelaws