Wharf Life's Property Supplement, Mar 22-Apr 5, 2023

taking

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building the future

by David Galman

By the time you read this I will have turned 60 years of age. Why have a I divulged my age?

Well, it has got me thinking about how the residential property market has changed. I got my first job in the industry at a single office estate and property management company in Ilford, some 42 years ago.

Back then, residential property was dominated by high street estate agents. A cool new development would be a conversion of an existing house into two or four flats. There were no futuristic towers. The agent created a set of bland marketing details, produced a window card, booked some advertisements and trawled applicants for a suitable buyer. I thought I was being ground-breaking when I started to ring the office direct from the instruction (on the owner’s landline, of course).

Marketing was very low key – quite vanilla in fact. No-one was prepared to upset the status quo.

Fast forward to the early 1990s and the onset of the digital age has transformed the way we live, work, build and sell. At Galliard we became the marketing masters – a huge change focused on fast-paced sales.

All you needed was a suite of “wow’’ show flats, a great marketing campaign, a willingness to speculate with the marketing budget, a very hungry, well-rewarded sales team and a product that was good value off-plan.

Organisation, of course, was key. We were well trained and led by Stephen Conway and his late brother Roy, whose attention to detail was amazing, such that sales appeared easy. Roy’s most famous press quote “we are selling pound notes for 80p’’ resonated well with the media and buyers.

We managed to build a repeat buyer following, helped thousands become successful owners and landlords and even orchestrated a wedding between the offspring of two families who met in the queue at County Hall.

Where am I going with all this nostalgia? The market seems to change every cycle. The sleepy agents have gone. Queues to buy good value properties? Maybe one day they will return.

Today we are having to wait and wait. We need builder-free developments, completely finished, polished and shiny. The customer journey must be perfect, clean, clear, concise, and professional. We are at the behest of international buyers and agents.

I am not sure if we will see the return of sales launches. People increasingly want to see and touch what they are getting before they buy. I wouldn’t mind betting however, that strong demand will return to coincide with a shortage in supply and we all know where that leads.

David Galman is sales director at Galliard Homes which is delivering developments including Orchard Wharf, Harbour Central and The Stage

Go to galliardhomes.com or follow @GalliardHomes and @DavidGalman on Twitter

Scan this code to find out more about Galliard Homes and its developments in east London and across the capital

Jon Massey

Right on the doorstep there’s the 473 bus from North Woolwich Ferry to Stratford via London City Airport. A short walk away is the 474, which runs from Hermit Road in Canning Town to Manor Park station near Forest Gate. A little further still, there’s King George V DLR, providing links to Woolwich under the Thames or Canary Wharf via Poplar.

Fast-moving buyers at Notting Hill Genesis’ Woolwich Reach scheme could enjoy a year of free travel via all of these links and more if they reserve a property at the development before April 4.

The housing association is offering one Transport For London Travelcard covering Zones 1-4, valid for 12 months, as an extra incentive for those who opt to purchase a one-bedroom shared ownership home.

Located in Royal Docks on the north bank of the Thames, Woolwich Reach is a 14-storey block that houses some 75 affordable homes.

Built on the site of a derelict former pub, the tower is very much in the vanguard of the residential regeneration of the area close to the northern terminal of the Woolwich Ferry.

The development offers one, two and three-bedroom homes in a building that also features a private residents’ podium garden, communal cycle storage, a public viewing platform and proximity to the extensive outdoor amenities of neighbouring Royal Victoria Gardens.

All properties are available on a shared ownership basis where buyers purchase a minimum of 25% of the home and pay rent on the remainder with the option to increase the proportion they own in future.

Apartments at Woolwich Reach feature fully fitted kitchens with integrated appliances including ovens, fridge-freezers and dishwashers. Solid stone worktops also come as standard.

Bedrooms come with fitted wardrobes and the properties boast under floor heating with wood effect flooring in the living

£2,340

Value of a Zones 1-4 Transport For London

Travelcard valid for a year, currently being offered as an incentive to buyers at Woolwich Reach

Balconies feature views over the Thames or the park

Homes at Woolwich Reach feature fully fitted kitchens and underfloor heating

I wouldn’t mind betting that strong demand will return to coincide with a shortage in supply and we all know where that leads...

David Galman, Galliard Homes

by

how Notting Hill

Genesis aims to tempt buyers with a year’s free travel across central London

A short trip on the DLR connects Woolwich Reach to destinations all along the Liz Line

areas and carpets in the bedrooms. The homes are open-plan and have private balconies with views over the river or the park.

One-bedroom apartments at Woolwich Reach start at £95,000 for a 25% share, based on a full market value of £380,000.

The entry level apartment features a corner balcony with access from both the bedroom and living area with the interior of the property extending to some 549sq ft of space.

Notting Hill Genesis head of sales, Philip Wellard-Hughes, said: “We’re pleased to be offering this unmissable deal for those buying at Woolwich Reach this month.

“Residents can make use of the development’s excellent transport connections to explore the best that London has to offer, as well as saving money on their commute.”

Woolwich Reach’s Royal Docks location puts it less than 30 minutes from both Canary Wharf and Stratford and a few minutes from London City Airport via the DLR.

Its proximity to Woolwich, which can be accessed either on the DLR or by the nearby foot tunnel under the Thames, also puts it within easy reach of the Elizabeth Line.

This means rapid journeys into central London and even out to Heathrow and Reading to the west of the capital.

Royal Docks is located on the Capital Ring, a popular walking and cycling route around London, which directly passes Woolwich Reach. Local cycle paths and roads also make it easy for residents to get to amenities such as Barrier Park, Excel and the cable car at Royal Victoria Dock, by bike.

As with all offers, terms and conditions apply and readers should contact Notting Hill Genesis for full details.

Go to nhgsales.com for more information

Scan this code to find out more about Woolwich Reach

a frame for the war record of a knight

Those seeking to spruce up their interiors with framed photographs, artwork or mementos would do well to look to Frontispiece at Cannon Workshops for assistance.

The business, owned and run by Reginald Beer, was recently commissioned to frame Sir Michael Caine’s medals and military record from his time in the Royal Fusiliers as a 90th birthday present from his wife. Before going on to become one of Britain’s most revered actors, Rotherhithe-born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite served in the army from 1952 to 1954 including a period on active service in the Korean War, coming close to death and eventually contracting malaria. Frontispiece, which recently framed photos for King Charles III, also sells antique maps and prints from its vast collection. Go to mapsandantiqueprints.com for more information

Reginald with the finished project

We’re pleased to be offering this unmissable deal for those buying at Woolwich Reach this month

Philip Wellard-Hughes, NHG

time lines

Greenwich Peninsula

l 16th century - Greenwich Peninsula is drained by Dutch engineers for use as pasture land. In the 1600s it becomes notorious as a place where the corpses of convicted pirates are gibbeted as a deterrent to others considering a life of crime on the high seas.

l 1694 - Government officials determine Greenwich Peninsula the ideal spot for a store of gunpowder and the area’s first industrial site is created on an area of marshland. Eventually this is removed in the 1770s to allow locals to set up their own businesses.

l 19th century - The Peninsula is steadily industrialised with companies making everything from heavy guns to chemicals, submarine cables and iron and steel.

l 1870 - Shipbuilders on the Peninsula construct two sister clippers, the Blackadder and the Hallowe’en. The former’s miserable maiden voyage, complete with failures in her masts and rigging and multiple collisions, led her owner to take 18 months of legal action against the builders for poor construction after insurers refused to pay out because she was deemed to be unseaworthy. The sorry vessel was eventually wrecked in 1905 having changed ownership.

l Late 19th century - The area becomes home to industries such as boiler making, cement production, linoleum manufacture and the East Greenwich Gas Works. The latter becomes (by the 1960s) the biggest gas works in Europe and possibly the world.

l 1897 - The Blackwall Tunnel opens, linking the Peninsula to the north bank of the Thames for the first time. With no passenger railway connection, the area will have to wait more than 100 years until the first Tube trains start running to North Greenwich station when the Jubilee line extension opens in 1999.

l 20th century - The Peninsula continues as a largely industrial area until the march of progress sees many of its businesses become obsolete. The closure of the gasworks and other industries leaves the area a largely barren wasteland with much of the land contaminated and requiring remediation.

how homes on sale at Greenwich Millennium Village are built on a wealth of social and industrial heritage

by Jon Massey

This is an article about history, so it may seem incongruous to begin with a paragraph about 2023’s latest Tube strike. One of the walkout’s consequences was that I wound up travelling to Greenwich Millennium Village (GMV) for an interview with the scheme’s project director Chris Genner by bus – the 108 from Poplar, instead of the usual single-stop Jubilee line journey from Canary Wharf.

This trip provided both reassurance that Greenwich Peninsula remains pretty easy to get to, even without the Tube and a reminder that successful regeneration is usually powered by efficient, convenient transport. Today it’s additionally served by road, cable car and river bus.

GMV itself is a development by Countryside Partnerships and Taylor Wimpey London in association with the Mayor Of London, set to deliver up to 3,600 new homes when complete.

But to understand its inception, the more than two decades of progress so far and what that means for buyers today – it’s important to look at the history of this remarkable, singular site on the banks of the Thames.

live there ways to buy at GMV

>> GMV has a final few homes still available at The Observatory with prices ranging from £519,995 to £654,995. These are ready to move into immediately.

For buyers who reserve one of these remaining apartments, the developers are offering to pay up to £1,000 per month towards mortgage repayments for 12 months. First-time buyers will also have their legal fees and stamp duty paid – terms and conditions apply for both offers.

>> Alternatively, prices at The Galleria, which offers both apartments and maisonettes, start at £449,995.

Scan this code for more information about homes at GMV

As seen through the lens of GMV, there are two distinct periods in the history of Greenwich Peninsula.

The first covers the area’s transformation over several hundred years from anonymous boggy marshland into an industrial powerhouse, before its decline into a contaminated wasteland. The second begins in 1997 – exactly 100 years after the Blackwall Tunnel first connected the north bank of the river to the south as the Victorians attempted to supercharge the area with a transport link. However, with many of the industries having fallen obsolete and shuttered by the 1980s it was English Partnerships’ purchase of 300 acres of land on the Peninsula that started the GMV story. More of that later.

further back

“One of the reasons that the proposition to create a new neighbourhood on the Peninsula in the 1990s was so exciting was that it had never been designated for significant amounts of housing before,” said Chris, who has been working on the project since 2018.

“If you look back through the historic maps it’s been a little bit of everything – very industrial with a brick works and the largest gas works in Europe, but also as marshland for grazing.

“Because of the industries that developed here, it was also a strategic target for bombing during the Second World War, so its history has been chequered.

“The chance to turn a place like this into somewhere that’s suitable for people to live is rare.

“In the past it had been quite an isolated location with very limited infrastructure. What’s really interesting is that during construction we have come across many old structures – not necessarily important from an archaeological perspective, just bits of concrete buried in the ground or buildings that have been demolished and covered over – but you look at the historical maps and you can make sense of them. Theory turns into reality and we can explain what we’re finding as work continues.

“Several of our residents are really interested in how the Peninsula evolved to become what it is today and how it will go on to evolve as regeneration moves forward.”

past a story from the into the present

Years since the first homes were released for sale at Greenwich Millennium Village on Greenwich Peninsula

The first houses went on sale at GMV in 2017

GMV has become an established community over 20 years

towards the present Today the GMV project has seen more than 20 years of transformational development take place on the Peninsula – a journey that began in the late 1990s. Following its acquisition of the 300 acres, English Partnerships held an international competition to devise a “Millennium Community” for the site – a contest won by joint venture partners Countryside Properties (now Countryside Partnerships) and Taylor Woodrow (now Taylor Wimpey), who remain the driving forces behind GMV.

Working with architect Ralph Erskine of Erskine Tovatt, a master plan was created with the first homes going on sale in 2000. In two days all were sold.

“That was a real leap of faith from buyers that it was going to be something great,” said Chris. “If you think of our customer journey in 2000 – people would have got off the Tube and had a pretty hairy walk down to the small sales facility at GMV. It would have been pretty desolate.

“There had been huge investment from the Government and Transport For London to connect the Jubilee line extension to North Greenwich and to build the Millennium Dome, but it would still take many years for it to become a fully-fledged, community.

“There were 1,095 homes in the first two phases of development, so it has really had time to become an established community with residents moving in and shops

time lines

Greenwich Millennium Village

l 1997 - English Partnerships kicks off what will become GMV with an international competition to find a developer for its 300 acres of land on Greenwich Peninsula.

and amenities opening.

“We helped create a residents’ association that gives a real voice to what people expect and want from the Peninsula.”

A pause in development from 2008 to 2012 while planning permission was sorted out for the final phases saw significant input from residents, with architects Jestico + Whiles creating designs for new buildings to respond to Erskine’s original vision.

“The first phases featured a European influence – new technology and materials with a low carbon footprint – everything that developers are focused on today but that was very new 20 years ago,” said Chris. “The architecture was playful, colourful with influences from Scandinavia and Germany. There had been nothing here so there was no existing vernacular – the designs set a new precedent and created a new destination that still responded to the history of the place.

“The creation of the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park was also very important. Now it looks as though it’s been there forever – a part of the original marshland.

“It is a fantastic habitat for wildlife and really celebrates the history of this part of London while also helping harmonise the various uses the Peninsula is now home to. When our latest phases open up, they will really connect to the park, which has proved a brilliant investment by English Partnerships as it was created even before the residential areas were established.

“As for transport, we now have the IFS Cloud Cable Car – which connects the area to Royal Docks – Uber Boat By Thames Clippers and the Jubilee line. The Silvertown Tunnel is also now under construction, further improving road links for the future.”

On these foundations, the GMV project continues to evolve to cater for the needs of buyers, delivering homes and facilities as it edges ever-closer to completion. For more information, go to greenwichmillenniumvillage.co.uk

l 2000 - The winners of that contest, Countryside Partnerships and Taylor Woodrow (now Taylor Wimpey), launch the first apartments for sale at GMV. They sell out in two days. The first residents move into the area.

l 2002 - The Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park opens to the public. This follows more launches and completions.

l 2005 - Split-level Uberhaus homes are launched at the development for the first time. By August 671 new properties have been built on site.

l 2006 - The Union Buildings by Tovatt are launched to complement Erskine and Proctor & Matthews’ work on GMV.

l 2009 - The GMV Residents’ Association hosts its first big event, now an annual tradition.

l 2012 - Planning permission is granted for phases 3, 4 and 5 following four years of work.

l 2015 - The first residents move into buildings in the new phases. A 3,480sq m children’s eco play park opens on site.

l 2017 - The first houses go on sale at the development as construction continues apace. The residents’ association holds its first annual Village Fayre.

l 2018-present - New phases are announced and sold with steady progress made as the scheme unfolds. The latest releases at GMV comprise its Plaza phase set around a new village square, with The Galleria and The Observatory available now and Parkside Plaza coming soon.

The chance to turn somewhere like this into a place that’s suitable for people to live is rare. The designs set a new precedent that still responded to its history

Chris Genner, Greenwich Millennium Village

GMV project director Chris Genner

A view of some of the first homes to be built at Greenwich Millennium Village towards Canary Wharf in the mid 2000s

An artist’s impression of The Galleria phase of GMV

Colourful buildings take inspiration from Erskine’s work

Blank canvas – Greenwich Peninsula in the late 1990s

advertising feature

Buying a home of one’s own has long been an ambition for many Londoners and, in recent years, the Royal Docks and Greenwich have become popular locations for first-time buyers.

With excellent transport connections, modern homes, and soughtafter views, they’ve attracted many looking to put down roots in east and south-east London. There are also communities and cultural hotspots emerging, such as at Notting Hill Genesis’ Royal Albert Wharf.

But it’s no secret buying a first home has seemed a challenging prospect of late, with a fluctuating housing market and spiking mortgage rates leaving many feeling home ownership is out of their reach.

It doesn’t need to be – and shared ownership could be the answer.

Through the scheme, buyers can purchase a share of a property, starting from 25%, and pay rent on the remaining part.

There are numerous benefits to purchasing a home this way. Top of

the list, the deposit required is lower than if buying on the open market, and sometimes this can be as low as four figures. Housing association Notting Hill Genesis has a range of homes available across east and south-east London.

l ROYAL DOCKS

At Woolwich Reach, on the banks of the river Thames, a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment can be bought with a deposit of £9,500. For the large number of buyers who may not have access to the deposit needed to buy a home outright, the scheme can be a lifeline. The housing market isn’t as accessible as it once was, so why not try something you hadn’t considered?

Buying new also has its benefits – homes come with integrated appliances and technology, and are

far more energy-efficient than older homes contributing to lower fuel bills.

You can also “staircase” your share and increase the portion of the home you own, through to full ownership.

l GREENWICH

At Kidbrooke Square in the Royal Borough Of Greenwich, homes are available from just £90,625 for a one-bedroom apartment with a 25% share, providing buyers with an affordable price point, and the opportunity to increase this in the future.

All in all, this is a scheme that offers buyers a route to home ownership. We all crave somewhere that we can call home and make our own, and this may just be the perfect way to do it.

Read more about Notting Hill Genesis’ developments online at nhgsales.com/sales-developments

Scan this for more about Notting Hill Genesis’ shared ownership homes

how shared ownership homes from Notting Hill Genesis can help buyers make a home in east and south-east London this year

exploring a to owning a home

Minimum share of a property available at Notting Hill Genesis’ Woolwich Reach and Kidbrooke Square developments

Woolwich Reach is located in east London’s Royal Docks

A selection of interiors at Woolwich Reach

Notting Hill Genesis’ Kidbrooke Square scheme in Greenwich

THE FORSHAW

Launching 25 March

On the edge of the Thames, immersed in nature.

Surrounded by verdant parks & gardens with panoramic views towards Canary Wharf, the City & beyond. Part of the thriving Royal Wharf neighbourhood with its own high street,

regular farmers market, primary school, gym and Riverscape residents’ only Sky Lounge. Moments from the Elizabeth Line & the DLR with direct access to Thames Clippers from Royal Wharf Pier.

HERITAGE TOWER, E14

£3,467PCM - FURNISHED

3 bedroom 2 bathroom 1 reception rooms

This three bedroom, 10th floor apartment is in The Liberty Building. The apartment boasts a living room with wooden flooring and a dining area that is open-plan to the kitchen. There’s a large balcony with stunning views, a primary bedroom with en suite, two further double bedrooms, a separate bathroom with shower over bath and additional storage to the hallway. EPC: B 020 4502 7189 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS.CO.UK

FLETCHING APARTMENTS, E3

GUIDEI£950K-£1M LEASEHOLD

3 bedrooms 2 bathroom 1 reception room

This extraordinary penthouse, set within a beautiful historic development in the middle of Bow, has been completely refurbished by the current owner to a very high specification and includes a huge south-facing terrace. EPC: C 020 3930 4069 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

MORTON APARTMENTS, E16

GUIDEI£350K-£375K LEASEHOLD

Offering spectacular views across The Thames, this immaculate 5th floor one bedroom apartment comes with a high spec interior and a versatile ‘winter terrace’ perfect for home working. EPC: B 020 3930 4069 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

TAEPING STREET, E14

GUIDEI£700K-£725K LEASEHOLD

This fabulous 3-bedroom house is located close to Canary Wharf College and the DLR and has a south facing garden and off street parking. With the option for a loft extensions. EPC: C 020 3930 4069 canarywharf@hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS.CO.UK

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