There was previously a station called Connaught Road on the Eastern Counties and Thames Junction Railway in the same area but this closed in 1940.

It was originally planned that in 2010 work would start on extending the platforms at Royal Albert to handle three-car trains, which are being introduced across the DLR.

The extension would have been at the east end of the station, bringing the platforms closer to Royal Docks Road, although no new access steps were planned.

However, the access route from these houses to the station, crossing the busy Royal Albert Way on the level, is notably substandard, the only footbridge being some distance away.

The station serves the London Regatta Centre and Royal Docks Business Park which houses Newham Council.