The shortlist includes some of the biggest UK property developers, together with major international investors – evidence of strong market interest in the 35 acre site.

The bidders will now be are now asked to come up with outline proposals that match the LDA and Newham’s ambitions for the site, which lies to the east oif the Excel exhibition centre.

These will be submitted in March to allow a final shortlist of developers to be selected to draw up detailed proposals for the site.

A preferred developer for the Royal Albert Dock site is due to be selected by September 2012.

London Development Agency Chief Executive Lurene Joseph said: Like our Silvertown Quays site, the opportunity at the Royal Albert Dock is attracting attention from major developers and investors.

“This high level of market interest is part of the growing international confidence in the future of the Royal Docks as a whole.

“We now look forward to seeing the short-listed developers come up with proposals to turn the site into a world class centre -a place with thriving businesses and high quality jobs.”

The site lies within the Royal Docks Enterprize Zone, which is designed to accelerate business, development and infrastructure momentum across the Royal Docks.

The site is cleared with the exception of two Grade II listed buildings located adjacent to Beckton Park DLR station – the Central Buffet and the former Dock Managers Office and it is expected to support a mix of uses including business (B1), education, leisure and tourism and supporting uses.

The London Development Agency is also seeking a developer for its the nearby 50-acre Silvertown Quays site.

Three bidders have been shortlisted with a preferred partner due to be selected in March.

The Silvertown Quays site will be a mixed-use development on the scale of Canary Wharf with a far stronger housing element.

In total the development site will accommodate 500,000 sq m of building space.

More than 4,000 homes are earmarked for the site, as well as a large aquarium and hotel.