Berkeley Group has got the thumbs up to invest £250m into the massive clean-up of the old Beckton gasworks site in East London ahead of building the first tranche of 2,900 homes.

Its St William business has secured full planning from Newham Council for a comprehensive package of enabling and remediation works, which are essential ahead of the vast Beckton Riverside residential development.

The first phase of early works will cover 30 acres of derelict former gasworks land, out of use since the 1960s.

Dean Summers, managing director of St James & St William, said: “This marks a significant step forward for this complex, long-term regeneration site.

“There is still a long way to go to bring this project into delivery, and we continue to work closely with the council, GLA, Homes England, and local stakeholders to develop a viable scheme that unlocks the site’s enormous potential.

“Berkeley Group is ready to invest over £250m in the first phase to remediate the 30-acre site, strengthen flood defences, upgrade local infrastructure, and begin creating a sustainable new neighbourhood in East London.

He said: “The result of this partnership would include 2,900 homes, high-quality community facilities, a riverside park, and a network of welcoming public spaces, including a new stretch of Thames riverside that has been fenced off for generations.

“Unlocking this key site would also be the catalyst for further investment in the surrounding opportunity area and strengthen the case for the DLR extension to Beckton and Thamesmead.”

Construction could begin in 2028 with first homes due in 2030.