Major London regeneration a step closer to taking off

Aberdeen Investments is delighted to receive confirmation of Government backing for a transformational Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension from Thamesmead to Beckton Riverside in the recent Budget.

A new DLR station will be built at Beckton Riverside, directly adjacent to Gallions Reach Shopping Park, a 28-acre site managed by Aberdeen Investments. A tunnel under the River Thames will link to another new DLR station at Thamesmead. Subject to obtaining the necessary approvals, work could start as early as 2027 and be operational in the early 2030’s. 

The key intervention of a new DLR line between Thamesmead and Beckton has potential to unlock two of the largest brownfield sites in London with up to 25,000-30,000 new homes and around 10,000 new jobs. It will be one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK and brings with it a significant opportunity to complement and enhance the amenity and social well-being of existing communities. 

David Stewart, Fund Manager at Aberdeen Investments, said: “This asset is a great example of long-term, patient capital and the importance of active management. We initially invested in a share of Gallions Reach back in 2006, then acquired entire ownership in 2020, based on our long–term conviction in the location and the strategic nature of the asset. 

“We have benefitted from this ongoing ownership and investment into the asset, most recently attracting a whole host of new and exciting retailers and restaurants. We’re now even more positive on the prospects and are confident that our experience, resource and long-term investment horizon will be key to maximising future success.”

The team at Aberdeen Investments have extensive experience in commercial real estate development, including major city centre regeneration projects. In this instance, Aberdeen has worked in collaboration with all the other stakeholders from initial concept through to Outline Business Case Stage, the essential pre-cursor to the all-important Budget announcement.

Part of our ownership of Gallions Reach Shopping Park comprises a 7-acre site which has lain vacant for almost two decades. As a result of the Budget announcement, we now expect the full potential of this key site will be realised in the short to medium term as well as additional investment into Gallions Reach Shopping Park, in step with the transformation this visionary regeneration project will bring.

Ends

Media enquiries 

Jemma Jackson
Head of Campaigns and Media, Aberdeen
jemma.jackson@aberdeenplc.com
07776 204 610

Yoosof Farah
Campaigns and Media Relations Manager, Aberdeen
yoosof.farah@aberdeenplc.com 
07345 441 771

Notes to editors

About Aberdeen Investments:

Aberdeen Investments is a specialist asset manager that focuses on areas where we have both strength and scale across public and private markets, including credit, specialist equities and real assets. 

Our teams collaborate across regions, asset classes and specialisms, connecting diverse perspectives and working with clients to identify investment opportunities that suit their needs.

As at 30 September 2025, Aberdeen Investments managed c.£382bn on behalf of clients, including insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, independent wealth managers, pension funds, platforms, banks and family offices.

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