Construction has already begun on one of the most exciting development projects in Europe which will see the Royal Albert Dock transformed into London’s next business and financial district. The 4.7 million sq ft development comprises mainly offices, but also includes residential, retail and public realm. The £1.7 billion project at Royal Albert Dock is opposite London’s City Airport (the international airport for Europe) and a new high speed rail station for Crossrail will open nearby in 2018.

As the biggest Chinese private investment in the UK, the ABP RAD project has drawn lots of attention and the support of political and business leaders from both China and the UK. The main contractor is CITIC Construction under a signed agreement witnessed by Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister David Cameron in 2015. The construction on Phase 1 shows ‘Chinese speed and UK quality’ by achieving its topping out in April 2018 following construction commencement in April 2017, and completion scheduled in March 2019. ABP, the company behind the project, is already taking reservations for office space from companies from financial services, IT, creative and knowledge based industries, and companies seeking a representative office in London.