The full, six-phase mixed use development, next to London’s City Airport, will create 4.7 million square feet of mainly office space, together with residential, retail and public realm.

The scheme’s developers, ABP, seek to position the development as London’s third business district, attracting businesses from China and other parts of Asia.

“ABP’s plans for the Royal Albert Docks will transform a historic part of London into a vibrant destination to live, work and visit,” commented Gareth Hird, Director at McBains.

The first phase of the project, which includes seven office buildings, together with some retail usage on the ground floors, is scheduled to complete in 2019.

McBains’ instruction comprises two parts; the first on behalf of a syndicate of Chinese banks, led by the Bank of China; and the second on behalf of the mezzanine financiers, China CITIC Bank.

Chinese contractor CITIC Construction has been appointed as the main contractor, with Multiplex as principal subcontractor.