One of the investors that lost out on the bid to buy the £557m 2012 athletes village is battling to buy another major east London development opportunity.
Hong Kong-based Hutchinson Whampoa has been shortlisted alongside six other bidders to take over development of the London Development Agency’s 50.4-acre Silvertown Quays in the Royal Docks.
The investor is battling against Jamie Ritblat’s Delancey, winner of the athletes village bid; British Land with housebuilder Barratt; Chelsfield with First Base and Imagination Europe; Stanhope; St George; and a Development Securities-led consortium comprising Kier, Grainger and Places for People.
The £1.5bn Silvertown project, along with the Royal Albert Docks, forms part of the new Royal Docks Enterprise Zone.
The shortlisting of the Silvertown developers, comes two years after LDA served a termination notice on the Silvertown Quays consortium – a joint venture between former English Partnerships chief David Taylor, US regeneration company KUD International and the Zoological Society of London.
That deal to develop a 5.3m sq ft scheme comprising 4,900 homes, offices, shops, leisure and an aquarium designed by Sir Terry Farrell collapsed as a result of the credit crunch.
The shortlist of seven will be whittled down to four by the end of October, with a preferred developer selected in February next year.
Developers are also being sought for the 34.5-acre Royal Albert Docks and have been asked to submit outline proposals by December.
LDA chief executive Lurene Joseph said: “The opportunities in the Royal Docks are attracting attention from some of the biggest developers and investors.
“We look forward to seeing their proposals to turn these sites into world class developments – urban centres with thriving businesses.”
Knight Frank is advising on Silvertown; Drivers Jonas Deloitte is advising on Royal Albert Docks.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
