London mayor sets out vision for 'floating village'

Boris Johnson has launched an international competition to find developers to create floating homes, hotels, restaurants and bars in the water at the Royal Victoria Dock site.

The mayor’s office does not yet know how many homes the plan would involve but said it would be a ‘substantial amount’.

Mr Johnson made the announcement as he travelled to the international property conference MIPIM, being held in Cannes, France, this week.

He said: ‘This site is unique. It has the potential to become one of the most sought after addresses in the capital while breathing new life back into London’s waterways.

‘But it’s not alone. Right across London there are incredible investment opportunities that I’m determined to bring to market creating more homes and jobs for Londoners. My message to the developers gathering at MIPIM is that London is the best place to invest.’

Mr Johnson will be hosting a series of meetings with potential investors and developers at MIPIM for building opportunities in London.

The village would be about the size of Green Park and would have transport links connecting it to central London and Canary Wharf with the new crossrail, DLR and cable car.