London mayor Boris Johnson has unveiled plans to transform 15-acres of docklands in the city's east into the UK's largest "floating village" bringing jobs, commercial space and homes to the capital's waterways.

The launch of an international design competition to find developers to design and deliver the scheme, coincides with his visit to the world's premiere property conference MIPIM where he will promote the site and others around the capital.

The site at the Royal Victoria Dock, sits directly under the Emirates Air Line, and will include floating homes, hotels, restaurants and bars.

Although it will be the first development of its kind in the UK, it will mirror successful schemes in Ijburg near Amsterdam and Hafen City in Hamburg, Germany and many other sites throughout Scandinavia.

The village will be linked to central London and Canary Wharf with a new Crossrail station, DLR and the cable car.

Newham mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "London is moving eastwards and the Royal Docks offer an investment opportunity in scale unmatched anywhere in Europe."

"They will become a vibrant, exciting and fun visitor attraction which will draw people not just from across the capital - but across the country."

"Investment in the borough encompassing the Olympic Park and Stratford in the north through to Canning Town, Custom House and the Royal Docks in the south, reflects Newham's status as London's regeneration priority for the next 25 years."