London Mayor Boris Johnson hails £1.2m plan for derelict city area Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, has revealed that property developer Chelsfield has been chosen by the London Development Agency (LDA) as preferred developer of the 50-acre site. It will bring commercial and retail use to the Silvertown Quays scheme within the Royal Docks enterprise zone. "Despite one of the harshest economic climates in decades an urban renaissance is under way in east London and I have no doubt that Silvertown Quays will become a business destination of worldwide appeal," Mr Johnson said. The development will include 228,570 square metres of commercial and retail space, and 126,440 square metres of housing. Education, research and innovation centres will also feature. The LDA said a final contract would be concluded within a few months. Chelsfield, partnered with Imagination Europe and First Base, and originator of the Stratford City scheme also in east London, is hoping to create pavilions where companies will be able to showcase products. Work on Silvertown Quays is expected to start in two years, with a likely completion date in 2018. Sir Stuart Lipton of Chelsfield said the site benefited from good transport links and proximity to the ExCel Exhibition Centre, adding that the development would "create a sense of community."