The scheme next to the mouth of the River Lea on the northbank of the Thames will comprise a safeguarded wharf and logistic centre, over 200 affordable flats and accommodation for around 1,400 students.

These will be contained in seven mid-rise buildings, the tallest rising to 30 storeys.

Works will also include raising the Thames river wall and construction of a new pontoon structure for vessel docking and unloading.

Regal also proposes a ground floor cafe and community hub and 80,000 sq ft of landscaped public space.

Regal has now teamed up with Thames Clippers Logistics to use the proposed warehouse and reactivated wharf to develop a high speed light river freight logistics service transporting parcels and goods to central London.

Steve Harrington, planning director at Regal said: “Orchard Wharf has been a real labour of love, and we are delighted to present our wider vision to deliver a new riverside neighbourhood with significant student and affordable housing, relieving the pressures on the housing stock in Tower Hamlets – all alongside a reactivated working wharf.

Orchard Wharf site next to East India Dock Basin

“Regal, with Thames Clipper Logistics, will play a key part in further bringing the River Thames into use to support a more sustainable London for the future.”

Regal has nearly 2,000 consented beds over two locations – Brent and Southwark, with over 2,000 more in the pipeline in Tower Hamlets and Camden.