Real estate, London Docklands, Wapping District, River Thames Views, Real Estate, Property Buying, Selling, Letting, Investment Opportunities, Regeneration, Warehouses, Sir Terence Conran, Restaurants, Amenities, Transport.

INVESTMENT INDEX WAPPING AND CITY EAST
Waterman's Way, secluded canalside The London Docks in Wapping were the second of the Capital's great docks to be completed, in 1804. They handled the import of wines and spirits and were known as a very hospitable place - there was much sampling among the cargoes lying in vast warehouses. They also handled wool, tobacco and marble while the nearby St Katharine Docks had marble, ivory, china, tortoiseshell, oriental carpets and perfumes. By contrast, Limehouse Basin, completed in 1812 served the Regent's Canal and dealt mainly in coal. These three great water areas were linked by 18th century riverside homes and the waterside village of narrow cobbled streets and high walled warehouses grew into a totally river focussed community, a real Sailor Town. Hitler's bombs and the closures of the Docks in the Sixties and Seventies changed all that. The local council even filled in some of the docks and sold off St Katharine Docks to enable the only redevelopment - the Tower Hotel, adjacent offices and News International - before the London Docklands Development Corporation came along in 1981. Ted Hollamby, the LDDC's director of architecture & planning was determined that "the essential character of the area must not be lost" and that Wapping should continue to be an area of mixed uses. That's why today Wapping and it's next door Limehouse Village are such attractive places to live. The Golden Mile of Wapping waterfront is lined with spectacular homes enjoying fine river views and inland, other "Docky" homes developments created from old warehouses, factories and empty wharves. Living in Wapping means you can walk to your job in the City or the new business district that has been build around St Katharine Docks and the News International headquarters. It's also an easy stroll to Wapping Tube or either of the two DLR stations, north of The Highway, which serve the district. There are some good pubs, bars and restaurants in Wapping, including a continental-style waterfront restaurant at the Tower Hotel and the Prospect of Whitney, London's oldest riverside pub. The cobbled streets, leafy squares, water-filled spaces and quiet, backwater atmosphere ensure Wapping remains one of the top Des Res districts of Docklands. There are watersports and dragonboat racing and the St Katharine Yacht Haven is a bustling tourist magnet. All it needs now is for the local council to scrap its unnecessary and ill thought out parking controls. If you and your family or friends want to see how East London has been transformed by the £11 billion regeneration and see how the home of your choice fits among the historic trading districts, restored wharf sides and 55 miles of waterside, get aboard one of the guide tours available for housebuyers, construction professionals or sightseeing visitors. Some of the best Wapping and Limehouse homes for your short-list: BRIDEWELL PLACE former soap factory Only minutes from the City and convenient for the many shopping, boating and water sports facilities in Docklands, and is within easy reach of restaurants, bars and waterside pubs. Bridewell Place mixes peace and security thanks to the electronically controlled security gates that allow controlled access to the development from Wapping High Street. There are 52 mews homes offering one, two and three bedroom houses and studio flats, all with their own individual undercover parking space. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 0. Ambience 8. Security 8. Parking 8. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station ELL 4 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 10 yr 5 yr CURRENT PRICES FREE TRADE WHARF riverside historic and newbuild One of the largest combined residential and commercial developments undertaken in Docklands and one of the area’s most desirable residential addresses. Takes its name from the two listed buildings on the site which were built in 1795 and 1796 after the previous buildings were destroyed in the Great Fire of Ratcliff - one of London's worst fires after the Great Fire in 1666. The main residential newbuild houses 360 apartments. The listed buildings contain leisure facilities, six very large luxury apartments, seven office suites totalling 16,000 sq ft and seven shops. Completed just in time for the early Nineties property recession, the developer was forced to rent out unsold apts for a couple of years until the market improved. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 9. Ambience 8. Security 9. Parking 8. Transport 7. Quality 8. Station DLR Limehouse 5 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1988 1-bed £79K 2-bed £172K 3-bed £220K-£340K 5 yr CURRENT PRICE HERMITAGE BASIN atmospheric, backwater A working dock until the 1960's, these days Hermitage Basin is no longer connected to the River Thames. The central basin, with its open water, is the main attraction for those living in the Basin. In total there are 81 units including 11 three bedroom townhouses, 10 two bedroom houses, 16 one bed apartments and 37 two bedroom apartments. Townhouse prices started at £200K and apartments from £200K. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 8. Ambience 8. Security 7. Parking 7. Transport 7. Quality 8. Station DLR Tower Gateway 10 mins LU Tower Hill 10 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1990 1-bed apartment £100K 2-bed house £200K 4-bed house £465K 5 yr
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HERMITAGE RIVERSIDE long river frontage About a quarter mile from St Katherine Docks is Hermitage Riverside with its 250 metre river frontage. Featuring 216 homes consisting of 46 three-bedroom apartments, 35 one-bed apartments, 126 two bed apartments and maisonettes. Every home has its own balcony with a river view. Landscaping and courtyards lead to the river promenade. With Wapping High Street running next to the development there is plenty of access to shopping and transport. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 8. Ambience 8. Security 7. Parking 7. Transport 7. Quality 8. Station DLR Tower Gateway 10 mins LU Tower Hill 10 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 10 yr 1-bed apartment £117,500 5 yr CURRENT PRICE HERMITAGE COURT village centre site In Wapping High Street close to the River Thames, Hermitage Court consists of studios, apartments, penthouses and office suites. Apartments range from one to four bedrooms. Completed in 1988 and the early selling price was around £125K for a one bed apartment and £400K for a penthouse. The name comes from a large house, which existed prior to the London Docks being built. The house supposedly stands on land previously occupied by two hermits. RATINGS INDEX Location 9. Water view 8. Ambience 8. Security 8. Parking 10. Transport 9. Quality 8. Station DLR Tower Gateway 4 mins LU Tower Hill 4 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1988 1-bed £125K 4-bed penthouse £400K 5 yr
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LIMEHOUSE BASIN Marina magic A picturesque area that was originally known as the Regents Canal Dock which connected the River Thames to the Regents Canal. Close to the City, Canary Wharf and Limehouse DLR station. With a choice of apartments plus studios and four bedroom houses it has a wide appeal. There are penthouses and two bedroom cottages as well. It has been described as conveying the spirit of a "waterside hamlet". It's easy to see why, with boats bobbing in the Limehouse Basin and regular lock openings to allow passage for visiting yachts or cruisers. Four different housebuilders have been involved here and the latest, by Bellway Homes is probably the most exciting RATINGS INDEX Location 9. Water view 9. Ambience 9. Security 7. Parking 7. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station DLR/BR Limehouse 8 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 10 yr 5 yr CURRENT PRICE LIME KILN WHARF, historic docksider Sandwiched between Wapping and the Isle of Dogs is Limehouse, well known for its riverside pubs, restaurants and wine bars. Residents of Lime Kiln Wharf - part original warehouse converted to six apts, combined with 23 newbuild apts - have access to a dockside area and walkway, but never got their long promised moorings in a luxury marina. Many flats have direct views over the dock, with the higher ones also to the River Thames. Car parking, and there is a large waterside terrace. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 17. Ambience 8. Security 8. Parking 8. Transport 7. Quality 8. Station DLR Westferry 4 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 10 yr 5 yr CURRENT PRICE NEW CRANE WHARF Ghostly sounds in the night This riverside warehouse redevelopment still retains many of the original features. In addition to the refurbishment the architects added a new building on the corner of Wapping Wall and Garnet Street to provide residential and retail space. Views from apartments either look south over the river, over the courtyard or onto the traditional streetscape of Wapping. The 143 apartments range in size from studios to three bedroom apartments and penthouses. One apartment owner complained to the developers about ghostly sounds in the night, but didn't get a reduction on the price. Other facilities include restaurant with river terrace and health club. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 8. Ambience 8. Security 9. Parking 8. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station ELL 3 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1988 1-bed £95K Penthouse £750K 5 yr
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PELICAN WHARF chairman's choice Being next door to the famous and historic Prospect of Whitby pub proved a headache for the developers and architects and which is why there is no underground carpark. Pelican Wharf consists of 12 bed apartments and one three bed penthouse with clever lightwells and an atrium. It's a quality job allround and the developer chairman fancied the penthouse for himself and a blonde lady of his aquaint. The large balconied apartments have fantastic river views and the massive penthouse tops almost the whole footprint of the building. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 9. Ambience 8. Security 9. Parking 10. Transport 7. Quality 9. Station DLR Westferry 10 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1987 2 bed apt £345K-£425K 5 yr CURRENT PRICE PRESIDENT'S QUAY Top deck living The original building and jetty were the London terminal of the P&O Jetfoil service and before that a riverside warehouse. The name derives from HMS President, which used to be moored alongside. The original building was bombed during WWII. The need to restore it to its original height meant demolition and building from scratch. The new building was designed to complement its riverside setting alongside St Katharine Docks and the Tower of London. Included in the structure is a galleried atrium, served by a glass lift. There are 30 apts and four penthouses and a very posh, manned reception area, reflecting the fact the Royal Naval Reserve occupy the lower floors. RATINGS INDEX Location 9. Water view 10. Ambience 9. Security 9. Parking 9. Transport 9. Quality 9. Station DLR Tower Gateway 5 mins LU Tower Hill 6 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 10 yr 5 yr CURRENT PRICE PROSPECT PLACE Courtyards and arches A mixture of 68 apts and houses in the form of two courtyards. The design features a walled facade to Wapping Wall repeating the strong image of the warehouse structures which are common to Wapping. The walled faced is punctured by an impressive arched entrance which gives access to the West Court. The two courts are totally surrounded by houses and apartments, a design feature that reflects the historic streetscape of Wapping.
RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 0. Ambience 8. Security 6. Parking 8. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station ELL 3 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1984 2-flat £49K 3-bed house £83k-£95K CURRENT PRICE
PROSPECT WHARF dual water views Clever design for this corner site gives many of the 60-odd apt resident's excellent views of the River Thames to the front and views of Shadwell Basin to the rear. Situated alongside the famous Prospect of Whitby pub this site provides a wide range of apartments. Prospect Wharf is designed as four wings, each with it's own entrance. There are one and two bedroom apartments and two bedroom penthouses. The price of the first property sold was £232,750 for a 2-bed apartment. Some of the one-bedroom apartments have galleries, which gives a total floor area of around 900 sq ft. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 8. Ambience 8. Security 8. Parking 7. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station ELL 6 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1987 2-bed apartment £233K
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PRUSOMS ISLAND Victorian feelings A Victorian Grade II listed warehouse conversion that features 35 luxury apartments and 15 new, three storey houses built alongside in a gentle, Georgian-style curve. Prusom's Island has kept much of the charm of the warehouse because the builders carefully matched the original features and incorporated them into the development. With arched multi-paned windows, sturdy metal pillars and exposed brickwork, the design has enhanced the appeal and helped recreate the feeling of Victorian London. Some apartments feature spiral staircases and galleries plus excellent views of the City of London and Docklands. A wallclimber lifts traverses a leafy atrium and all apt front doors open onto the light, airy ambience. RATINGS INDEX Location. Water view 0. Ambience 8. Security 9. Parking 8. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station ELL 3 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1988 1-bed £95K 2-bed houses £189K, three bed penthouse £400,000 CURRENT PRICE QUAY 430 convenient number Taking it's name from the number of ships allowed, under the London Dock Act of 1880 to dock in Wapping. With four main crescent-shaped courtyards - Trade Winds Court, Spice Court, Leeward Court and China Court, Quay 430 looks onto landscaped gardens. There are 313 homes in more than 60 different styles within the complex including apartments, penthouses, maisonettes and three-bedroom houses. The buildings range from three to ten storeys. The upper floors have glazed facades and views across the River Thames. Quay 430 is within a short walk of St Katharine Docks and the City. Residents' early optimism on price growth was late being realised, but the convenient location aids rental levels. RATINGS INDEX Location 9. Water view 5. Ambience 8. Security 7. Parking 6. Transport 9. Quality 8. Station DLR Tower Gateway 8 mins and LU Tower Hill 9 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1987 1-bed £90K 2-bed £137K 3-bed averaged £175K CURRENT PRICE ST KATHARINE DOCKS world beater with choice People have lived and worked at St Katharine Docks since 1147 when Queen Matilda founded the Royal Foundation of St Katharine on the site. The Dock itself was built by 1828. City View is one of the latest residential developments with views overlooking the dock. Others include Quayside Cottages - ten cottages overlooking the East Basin of St Katharine Yacht Haven, providing one, two and three bedroomed accommodation. Harrison Wharf has seven luxury stucco town houses with six-bedrooms. Marble Quay has both offices and one and two bedroom apartments which overlook the central basin. The Ivory House comprises 36 apartments including one to three bedrooms and is often used for live work. RATINGS INDEX Location 9. Water view 9. Ambience 8. Security 7. Parking 6. Transport 9. Quality 9. Station DLR Tower Gateway 5 mins LU Tower Hill 5 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1983 3-bed Quayside Cottages £120K 1988 3-bed Quayside cottages £300K 1986 1-bed Marble Quay apt £145,00
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TOWER BRIDGE WHARF landmark location Close to St Katharine Docks, the development enjoys views of Tower Bridge, one of London's best known landmarks. This and its closeness to the City, has made it an attractive proposition for many purchasers. Developer, Trafalgar House, who ran cruise ships then, always said it was their flagship development and tried to tempt early buyers in 1987/88 with prices in excess of £1M for the penthouses. They'd heard rivals Barratt Homes had got the same amount for one of their Gun Wharf penthouses. There are 64 apartments consisting of one and two bed apartments, two and three bed maisonettes and four bed penthouses. Externally the design owes a lot to the warehouse architecture of the locality. With parking beneath and video entry there is a high level of security. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 10. Ambience 8. Security 9. Parking 8. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station DLR Tower Gateway 5 mins LU Tower Hill 5 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1988 1-bed apartment £155K CURRENT PRICE TOWERSIDE quality award winner The exterior of the development is designed in five blocks of differing heights and varied brick finishes. Towerside won the National House Building Council's Supreme Award for quality in building and it's easy to see why. There's quality and everything a resident could want from video entry, underground parking and lifts from the garage to all floors this is a development that is secure and all-round comfortable. On the riverbank in the middle of Wapping High Street, Towerside offers 96 apts from studios to penthouses, good views across the river to Surrey Quays and The City and a landscaped loggia. RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 9. Ambience 8. Security 9. Parking 8. Transport 7. Quality 8. Station ELL 4 mins. INVESTMENT INDEX 1986 1-bed £91K 1987 Penthouse £370K CURRENT PRICE 78 WAPPING HIGH STREET harmonious old and new It was a tea warehouse and it needed a sensitive treatment to turn it into accommodation for the aspirational types who roamed Wapping's riverbank in the late Eighties. 16 apts, including a splendid penthouse, was the result for one of the few Docklands developments not to include the words, dock, wharf or quay in its title. Specialists and traditional craftsmen got to work on this site and the results speak for themselves. The early one bed asking price of £124K was not realised, but the penthouse did sell for more than £300K INVESTMENT INDEX 1988 1-bed £112K 1989 Penthouse £310K CURRENT PRICE WATERMAN QUAY Dutch style canalside Lining the newly installed canal between the Heritage basin and the Shadwell basin, Waterman Quay consists of 88 residential units comprising 52 houses and 36 flats. Apartments range in size from one and two bedroom studios. Houses offer two, three and four bedrooms. Many of the properties have views of the St George-in-the-East Church and the River Thames in a setting reminiscent of small Dutch canal towns.
RATINGS INDEX Location 8. Water view 7. Ambience 6. Parking 7. Transport 8. Quality 8. Station DLR/ELL Shadwell 10 mins INVESTMENT INDEX 1987 1-bed £40K 2-bed £70K
Househunters will come across other developments, but contact us before you commit! Your amendments to our ratings/price realisations are welcome by email or fax. See also investment indices on the Isle of Dogs, Tower, Surrey Quays, Greenwich and the Royal Docks.Info@london-docklands.co.uk Fax 44 (0)20 7537 1606.
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