Arada has made significant strides in its UK expansion, underscoring its commitment to the region with its latest acquisition: a prime regeneration site in Southwark. This marks the third major move by Arada in London within just three months, reinforcing its strategic approach to tapping into key urban developments. With plans for new residential and hospitality offerings, Arada is keen on establishing a robust presence in the UK market.
The site at 99 to 101 Newington Causeway includes two vacant buildings, including a notable ten-storey structure with a basement. Previously, this location housed The Salvation Army UK until its recent relocation to Denmark Hill in 2023.
This acquisition will be managed by Arada London, a division of the Arada Group, which intends to seek planning approval for a hotel alongside its inaugural co-living project in the capital.
Arada Strengthens UK Real Estate Presence
Strategically located just a two-minute walk from Elephant and Castle Underground Station, the site provides direct access to central London via the Bakerloo and Northern lines. This area has witnessed substantial transformation in recent years, enhancing its appeal for development.
The acquisition enhances Arada London’s footprint in Southwark, following its ambitious projects at Devonshire Place, which aims to deliver 941 student bedrooms and 200 affordable homes, and Blackpool Road, where the focus is on creating affordable housing and purpose-built student accommodation.
The Newington Causeway site is recognized as a pivotal development opportunity under the New Southwark Plan, benefiting from over AED20 billion in wider investments in the town center, including the redevelopment of Elephant Park and the existing shopping centre.
This latest acquisition comes shortly after Arada secured the local developer Regal, now rebranded as Arada London, and invested in 80 percent of the AED12 billion Thameside West riverside development, one of Europe’s largest regeneration initiatives.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, commented, “Our continued investment in the capital reflects our firm conviction in London’s long-term strength as a global real estate market. Since entering the city, we have set a clear ambition to scale our residential pipeline, and the rapid growth to over 16,000 homes underscores the capability of the Arada London team to deliver at pace and to a high standard. Newington Causeway is a well-located site in an area benefiting from sustained regeneration, and we see significant potential to bring forward a high-quality mixed-use scheme that supports Southwark’s growth.”
Arada London’s ambitious pipeline currently includes over 16,000 homes, with plans to triple this number to 30,000 units in the next three years.
Jonathan Seal, CEO of Arada London, stated, “The former Salvation Army headquarters presents a unique opportunity. This acquisition marks a major step for Arada London, as we kick off our third project in Southwark and make our debut in the co-living world. This acquisition demonstrates our approach to creating connected, vibrant neighborhoods. With brand new homes and a hotel, we are helping shape a town center at the heart of Southwark’s transformation.”